Detention of a Libertarian Councilman on Drug Charges
In an operation that shook local politics, the Buenos Aires Provincial Police arrested German Diaz, a 52-year-old councilman from La Libertad Avanza (LLA), on Saturday, August 22, 2026, on charges of alleged drug trafficking. The procedure was ordered by the Criminal Court No. 3 of the Mercedes Judicial Department, with the intervention of Prosecutorial Unit No. 7 (UFI No. 7), which is leading the investigation.
The raid took place at the councilman's home, located at Rivadavia 400, in the town of O'Brien, Bragado district. At the scene, officers seized cocaine remnants, cutting agents, and a precision scale, all considered key pieces of evidence for the case.
Neighbors' Complaint
According to local media outlet Bragado Informa, the investigation accelerated after a community meeting with municipal authorities where neighbors directly pointed to Diaz as an alleged drug dealer. The meeting was attended by Mayor Sergio Barenghi, and testimony from several drug users reportedly provided key details.
Diaz, who took office in December 2023 and serves as second vice president of the Deliberative Council, is one of the leading figures of the libertarian space led by Sebastian Pareja in Buenos Aires province. LLA is the party of Argentina's current president, Javier Milei, known for its libertarian and anti-establishment platform.
Political Repercussions
The LLA Councilman Bloc of Bragado issued a statement through its president, Daniela Monzon, expressing their "energetic repudiation of any act related to drug dealing". However, they clarified that the councilman's personal situation "must be resolved exclusively before the Justice system" and that the bloc is "absolutely unrelated" to the case.
On the other hand, the Executive Committee of the UCR (Radical Civic Union) District Committee of Bragado issued a statement demanding institutional swiftness. The radicals rejected the meeting called by the HCD presidency for Tuesday, calling it an "unnecessary delay," and formally requested a Special Session for this coming Monday.
In the statement, the UCR warns that the deliberative body cannot "cover up, minimize, or look the other way" given the seriousness of the case, and urges the libertarian space to "provide responses consistent with their campaign promises." The UCR is one of Argentina's oldest political parties, historically centrist and social-democratic.
What Happens Next
Diaz remains held at police facilities and will be brought on Monday to give his indictment statement before prosecutor Maria Laura Cordiviola. In the coming hours, his legal status is expected to be defined, along with a possible suspension or removal from the Deliberative Council, as established by the Organic Law of Municipalities of Buenos Aires province.
This case adds to other recent episodes affecting the ruling party, in a context where the internal libertarian dispute in Buenos Aires province is particularly tense ahead of the 2027 elections.