A political earthquake struck the quiet town of O'Brien, located in the Bragado district of Argentina's Buenos Aires Province, when police detained Germán Díaz, a 52-year-old city councilor from the La Libertad Avanza (LLA) party, on accusations of selling narcotics. This event, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, has sent ripples through the region and the national political landscape, as the party founded by President Javier Milei now faces a public scandal.
What happened?
Around Rivadavia Street, between 9 de Julio and Moreno streets, officers from the Bragado Police Department, in coordination with the UFI #7 (District Attorney's Office) and under an order from Guarantee Court #3, conducted a raid at Díaz's residence. They confiscated:
- Leftover cocaine
- Marijuana flowers (cogollos)
- Cutting and mixing implements
- Precision digital scale
- Smartphone
- Laptop computer
How did the case emerge?
The arrest was not a sudden impulse. According to local sources, neighbors of O'Brien expressed their concerns during a community meeting attended by Bragado's mayor, Sergio Barenghi (from the Front for the 'Union for the Nation'), and the local press. The residents directly pointed to Díaz as a presumed dealer. Additionally, several drug users provided testimonies about repeated purchases from the councilor, which accelerated the investigation.
Díaz's past
This is not the first time the name of Germán Díaz has been linked to drugs. In April 2024, an operation in a rural area belonging to his ex-partner triggered a case for cannabis cultivation. At the time, Díaz defended himself on Radio Fiesta Bragado, stating that the site was registered with the National Seed Institute (INASE) under the seed law and was intended for 'genetic testing and strain research for medicinal and industrial purposes'. He claimed he was not involved in commercializing and described himself as a natural health therapist. That case did not result in charges, but now returns to haunt him.
Political reaction
The scandal exploded publicly, prompting a strong response from the LLA block. On Sunday, the president of the block, Daniela Monzón, along with her colleagues, issued a statement: 'We state that any matter related to this investigation must be resolved exclusively in courts, where we have no influence.' They added: 'We deeply reject any act linked to narcotics sales.' The Deliberative Council will hold a special session to consider suspending or removing Díaz, following the provincial law for municipalities.
What's next for the councilor?
Díaz is currently held at the local police station. He will be transferred to the court house in Mercedes on Monday, August 24, where he will face the prosecutors. The case may expose a wider drug network in the area, as authorities are likely to investigate possible associates.
Sources: Bragado Informa, BragadoTV, La Nación and La Voz del Interior.