The issue of violence associated with drug trafficking in Rosario, the birthplace of Lionel Messi, was a topic of heated discussion in the Argentine Congress.
Debate in Argentine Congress over Drug-Related Violence in Rosario
On Thursday, the Argentine Congress engaged in a tense debate over the wave of violence linked to drug trafficking in Rosario, a city in Argentina and the hometown of Lionel Messi. The Minister of Security, Anibal Fernandez, addressed the members of parliament and defended the government’s handling of the issue. He emphasized the importance of attacking the financing channels of drug trafficking and urged the deputies to pass a law against money laundering.
According to Fernandez, 2,077 people were arrested in Rosario last year alone for drug offenses. He also highlighted that the drugs imported to Rosario are paid for in dollars, and that attacking the financing channels would be an effective way to combat drug trafficking. He revealed that a command is being established in San Nicolas, Buenos Aires, in coordination with the FBI and the provinces of Buenos Aires, Entre Rios, Santa Fe, and Cordoba, to gather more information on the issue.
Growing Wave of Insecurity in Rosario
The security minister’s appearance before parliament came in response to the growing wave of insecurity in Rosario, where at least 65 people have been killed this year due to the war between criminal gangs fighting for control of strategic areas to sell drugs. On Tuesday, the President of Argentina, Alberto Fernandez, announced an increase in the federal forces present in Rosario. The number of troops will be increased to 1,400, and the Army Engineering Corps will also be dispatched to speed up urbanization work in marginalized neighborhoods of Rosario.
Role of Armed Forces in Rosario
Presidential spokesperson Gabriela Cerruti clarified that the armed forces will not be going to Rosario in the historic sense, but rather a division of the army will accompany the construction of housing developments in marginalized neighborhoods. Cerruti stated that the army’s presence is necessary in these areas as it is where people who are looking for hired assassins for drug trafficking are most likely to insert themselves. She emphasized that the armed forces’ role is part of the process of redeveloping popular neighborhoods and not part of the security process in Rosario.
In conclusion, the debate in the Argentine Congress underscored the gravity of the situation in Rosario and the need for effective measures to combat drug-related violence in the city.