For days, the focus of information has been on the dark scandal behind parties involving Propofol and Fentanyl, drugs stolen from the Italian Hospital. The deaths of anesthesiologist Alejandro Zalazar and patient Eduardo Bentancourt are being investigated. With two accused individuals whose situations are becoming more complicated, investigators want to know if this case is just the tip of the iceberg of a criminal structure where health professionals organized various events, known as 'controlled trips,' using stolen medical supplies. According to information provided to the Noticias Argentinas agency, the case began on February 20 when the City Police were called to Juncal Street 4600, in the Palermo neighborhood, by a report from Zalazar's family, who had not heard from him for hours. The case involves Hernán Boveri, an anesthesiologist who worked at the hospital and resigned after the case became known; and Delfina Lanusse, a third-year resident who is on forced leave. Both are free, have been questioned, and only stated they were innocent, then refused to answer questions, saying they would submit a written statement. They were only prohibited from leaving the country. However, statements from the chief and deputy chief of the anesthesiology area at the Italian Hospital complicated the situation for Boveri and Lanusse by claiming the young woman admitted to having substance abuse problems for two years. It was also added that the professional admitted he had drugged Lanusse three or four times, but always with her consent, and that she had been the one to steal the medications. During the weeks of investigation, various raids were carried out, including three homes and the headquarters of the Association of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Resuscitation. Regarding the private properties, it was reported that one of them contained a box with tubes of clinical anesthesia, syringes, needles, and ampoules with surgical sedatives. In recent hours, another death has come to light that could be related to the case. When officers arrived, they found the young man with no vital signs, lying on the floor, although there were no signs of violence. However, what caught the authorities' attention were the disposable objects next to the body and an IV line connected to one of his feet, while the autopsy revealed he died from an injection of Propofol and Remifentanil. In parallel, the Italian Hospital reported the theft of anesthetic products, and with the progress of the investigation into Zalazar's death, it was determined that the IV line belonged to the medical institute in the Almagro neighborhood. It was also learned that they used infusion pumps to regulate the dosage. Regarding the first point, it is believed that Zalazar created this mechanism, but he died from congestion, pulmonary edema, and meningoencephalic edema due to an overdose. What is Propofol, Fentanyl, and what can their improper administration cause Propofol is an anesthetic inducer used daily in surgeries, although it is most commonly used in endoscopies and colonoscopies due to its rapid onset and quick recovery. Experts maintain that it must be administered by anesthesiologists or trained professionals due to its potency and respiratory risks, so its improper use or overdose can be fatal. Regarding Fentanyl, it is known as a fast-acting, potent synthetic opioid used in anesthesia to induce and maintain unconsciousness, deep sedation, and analgesia during surgeries. As with Propofol, it must be injected by anesthesiologists because irregular use can lead to addiction and even the risk of respiratory depression. With this information, a case has begun that is just starting and could dismantle a much larger organization. The cases are being handled by different courts and became public in the last days of March. Currently, two professionals are accused. This includes Bentancourt, a 44-year-old nurse who was found dead inside his apartment on Fray Justo Santa María de Oro Street 2428, Palermo. In the analysis of the property, officers found in the kitchen a syringe, a disposable latex glove, and ampoules with various drugs such as Propofol, Lidocaine, Diphenhydramine, Dipyrone, Scopolamine, Fentanyl, Diclofenac, Clonazepam, Midazolam, Dexamethasone, Adrenaline, Haloperidol, Metoclopramide, Diazepam, Ketorolac, Potassium Chloride, Ceftriaxone, Penicillin, and Succinylcholine. What went on at the parties Although the case is in its investigation stage, it is believed that behind the protagonists there is a network in which various parties were organized, for which one had to pay in dollars to attend. There were people, who would be doctors, in charge of improvising and supplying the sedation drugs intravenously, among which Propofol and Fentanyl stood out. The invitations described them as 'controlled trips' because there was a person in charge of providing respiratory assistance in case a participant suffered apnea, which could cause their death.
