Police in Argentina are investigating allegations that powerful narcotics were stolen from a top hospital in Buenos Aires and sold to willing participants, who took them at secret “controlled parties.”
The probe was opened following the death of a 31-year-old anaesthetist last month, who was found dead at his flat in the Palermo neighbourhood of the capital. Police investigators later uncovered an alleged drug-supply scheme involving stolen hospital narcotics and invite-only parties.
Alejandro Zalazar was discovered on February 20 after his sister raised the alarm. Police and emergency crews found him unresponsive on the floor of his apartment. There were no signs of a struggle or violence, but the body had an intravenous line inserted into the late medic’s right foot, with medical supplies scattered nearby.
An autopsy concluded he died from pulmonary and brain oedema, with investigators pointing to a likely overdose of propofol and remifentanil, drugs both widely used in clinical anaesthesia practices.
The case subsequently widened after the Hospital Italiano reported missing anaesthetic drugs. An internal inquiry identified at least two individuals allegedly involved in their removal, prompting a parallel judicial investigation.
Authorities later established a link between the two cases following a search of Zalazar’s flat, where drugs matching batches reported missing from the hospital were found.
Analysis of mobile phones also revealed the existence of a WhatsApp group involving healthcare professionals who allegedly participated in gatherings described as “controlled parties,” where anaesthetic substances were used.
Two suspects – a former anaesthesiology staff member and a current resident at the Hospital Italiano – have been charged with fraudulent administration. Both declined to give statements when questioned.
On Wednesday, the Noticias Argentinas news agency identified the individuals as Hernán Boveri and Delfina Lanusse. Police confiscated electronic equipment and medical supplies during raids on three properties earlier this month, said the agency.
The investigation into Zalazar’s death is being led by a criminal prosecutor, while a separate judge is overseeing the case related to the alleged theft of drugs.
Zalazar’s death has been classified as suspicious, with prosecutors awaiting further forensic results as both lines of inquiry continue.
In a statement, the Hospital Italiano said authorities had taken “the necessary measures to analyse what happened, take action regarding the other individuals involved, and establish procedures to prevent future occurrences.”
“The hospital is working together with the Buenos Aires Association of Anaesthesia, Analgesia and Resuscitation (AAARBA) to analyse these situations, which have also been reported in other institutions within the healthcare system. This is an issue that requires coordinated strengthening of policies, controls and prevention strategies,” it added.
Local media reports said Zalazar, who worked as an anaesthetist at the Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s General Hospital and was a former resident at Hospital Rivadavia, had previously reported for promoting “controlled trips,” in which clients were offered propofol and fentanyl to induce a “state of relaxation” or “heightened consciousness.”
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