The majority of residents believe that the mayor will not solve insecurity or confront drug trafficking
Mayor Guillermo De Rivas's administration is facing growing political and social pressure due to the lack of results in terms of security. Added to this is poor coordination with the Province and security forces. On several occasions, citizens have reported the depletion of resources in sensitive areas, as well as a prioritization of political marketing over real management.
Insecurity has become one of the main concerns in Río Cuarto, with citizens increasingly skeptical of the municipal government's ability to address the problem. Meanwhile, as robberies and violent incidents continue to rise, dissatisfaction with Mayor Guillermo De Rivas's administration is growing, with residents pointing to a lack of concrete responses.
According to official data from the Public Prosecutor's Office, during the first four months of 2025, more than 700 criminal acts were reported in the city, representing an 18% year-on-year increase compared to the same period the previous year. Most cases involve theft and aggravated robbery, but there have also been incidents of armed violence in public spaces.
In this context, social unrest is growing. Residents from different areas of the city—from Banda Norte to the Alberdi neighborhood—have taken to the streets to protest in recent weeks, demanding answers. The protests have included street blockades, pot-banging demonstrations, and community meetings in front of police stations.
One of the most frequent complaints is the limited police presence, as well as the lack of prevention and response to emergencies. Business owners and families report that the situation is becoming increasingly unsustainable and that municipal authorities appear either absent or overwhelmed.
Another concern is the advance of drug trafficking and organized criminal networks. In recent operations, police dismantled several drug sales points in outlying neighborhoods, but far from dissipating, the phenomenon is expanding. Residents warn about the increase in "no-go zones" and the recruitment of young people by drug gangs.
A repeat drug offender was arrested at the bus terminal with two kilograms (4.4 pounds) of cocaine, highlighting the seriousness of the problem. This incident occurred at the Río Cuarto bus terminal while he was transporting two kilograms (4.4 pounds) of cocaine. Simultaneously, more drugs, money, and items linked to drug trafficking were seized at his home. This individual had already served a sentence in 2022 for selling drugs to minors and, after being released, returned to criminal activity.
