A new scandal rocks La Libertad Avanza (LLA) in the Buenos Aires province interior. Germán Díaz, a councilman for that party in Bragado, was arrested on Saturday, August 22, 2026 on charges of drug trafficking, following a court-ordered raid on his residence in the town of O'Brien.
The operation and seized items
The procedure took place at a house on Rivadavia 445, where Buenos Aires Provincial Police officers arrived with a judicial order issued by Court of Guarantees No. 3 and Prosecutorial Unit No. 7 of the Mercedes Judicial Department. According to the newspaper El Día, during the search investigators found:
- Cocaine residue stored in a box similar to those used for preserving dental appliances.
- A precision scale.
- Various items that, according to the investigation, could have been used to cut and package the substance.
Given these findings, Díaz was detained and placed at the disposal of the justice system, while investigations continue to determine the scope of the alleged illegal activity.
Background: the cannabis cultivation in 2024
This is not the first time Germán Díaz's name has been linked to drug-related cases. In April 2024, a raid on a rural property linked to his family circle (belonging to his ex-partner) triggered an investigation for cannabis cultivation. At that time, Díaz gave an interview to Bragado Informa where he explained that the venture operated as a nursery registered with INASE (National Seed Institute), focused on genetic trials and seed production for medicinal and industrial use. The 2024 operation yielded negative results and Díaz was not charged.
However, that episode now reappears as a direct precedent in light of the new judicial measures.
The libertarian bloc's reaction
The arrest triggered an immediate reaction within the local libertarian space. The La Libertad Avanza council bloc of Bragado issued a statement signed by its president, Daniela Monzón, distancing itself from the accused and stating that it will be up to the justice system to determine any responsibility.
“We understand that any matter related to that investigation and the personal situation of the councilman must be resolved exclusively before the justice system, a sphere to which this bloc is absolutely foreign and in which we are not to make any assessment of his potential responsibility.”
Furthermore, the bloc expressed its “energetic repudiation” of any act related to the sale and trafficking of narcotics, calling it “a serious scourge for our society.” They also announced they will analyze the next institutional steps, respecting the Internal Regulations and the Organic Law of Municipalities.
The origin of the case
According to reconstructions, the investigation accelerated after a community meeting with municipal authorities where neighbors themselves accused Díaz of being a suspected dealer, along with testimony from several users. Mayor Sergio Barenghi was aware of the complaints.
Díaz, 52 years old, took office as councilman in December 2023 and served as second vice president of the Deliberative Council. His arrest comes at a delicate time for the national ruling party, which promotes a security and anti-narcotrafficking agenda.
The case remains in the hands of prosecutor María Laura Cordiviola, and Díaz is expected to testify in the coming hours. Meanwhile, the case has already sparked strong debate in the Bragado community and revived criticism of the libertarian space in the region.
Sources: El Día · Bragado Informa