A man sitting at a table is surrounded by four security officers who are checking documents in an office. — Ariel García Furfaro detained | La Derecha Diario

Camara — Ariel García Furfaro detained | La Derecha Diario

Ariel García Furfaro was arrested: more than 100 deaths due to adulterated fentanyl

After the PSA and Gendarmería raided his home without finding him, the Kirchnerist decided to turn himself in

20/08/2025 22:25:00h

Editorial Team

The most anticipated chapter of the investigation into the contaminated fentanyl that caused more than 100 deaths materialized this Tuesday: Ariel Fernando García Furfaro, known as the "Señor del Fentanilo" and owner of the HLB Pharma laboratory, was finally arrested.

The procedure took place after the massive operation ordered by federal judge Ernesto Kreplak and carried out by the Airport Security Police (PSA) together with the National Gendarmerie, which included 10 simultaneous raids on residences and facilities linked to Furfaro and his circle. When the authorities arrived at his home, the businessman was not there. However, his brothers, Diego and Damián —already detained for their role in the operations of the HLB Pharma and Ramallo laboratories— informed the officers that García Furfaro was on his way to turn himself in.

Bearded man pointing at the camera with an informational text about the arrest of Ariel García Furfaro by the authorities

Justice raided Ariel García Furfaro and arrested him for the 100+ deaths | La Derecha Diario

Hours later, the businessman appeared before the court, where he was formally taken into custody. Security Minister Patricia Bullrich hailed the arrest as a triumph of legality over corruption and organized crime:

"They do it, they pay. Those responsible for the lethal batch of fentanyl, behind bars. Those guilty of the deaths from contaminated fentanyl no longer walk free. The ringleader, about to be arrested. GNA and PSA carried out a flawless operation, at the request of the judiciary. Impunity is over: now they must answer to the courts, to the families, and to all of society", she wrote on X.

The case that has shocked the entire country involves the HLB Pharma and Ramallo SA laboratories, identified as responsible for the production and distribution of fentanyl contaminated with Klebsiella pneumoniae and Ralstonia pickettii bacteria, which led to the deaths of at least 96 patients in hospitals and clinics.

Three men wearing PSA vests are being detained, with an informational text about the arrest of Ariel García Furfaro’s brothers, linked to deaths caused by contaminated fentanyl.

Ariel García Furfaro's brothers were arrested | La Derecha Diario

Judge Kreplak is moving forward with the case against a group of defendants that includes Furfaro's brothers, his mother Nilda (shareholder and vice president of HLB), general manager Javier Tchukran, and several technical directors of the companies. The heads of Ramallo, Horacio Tallarico and Rodolfo Labrusciano, were also arrested.

President Javier Milei had already highlighted the political background of the case, pointing to Furfaro as "an eternal Kirchnerist partner" and denouncing a "heinous cover-up" during previous administrations. With the arrest of the main suspect, the libertarian administration reinforces its message of transparency and the fight against impunity.

The investigation will now continue with García Furfaro's questioning, who must answer for the charges of aggravated smuggling, drug adulteration, and homicides related to the contaminated batch.

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