Overview

• Lorena Villaverde recorded a narcotest and rinoscopy that screened for cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, ecstasy and opiates, and she posted the negative results on her social media.
• Calls for her resignation intensified from PRO and Primero Río Negro after José Luis Espert stepped down over a USD 200,000 controversy tied in reporting to Machado.
• Scrutiny centers on Villaverde’s association with businessman Claudio Ciccarelli, Machado’s cousin, who publicly denied being a front for anyone or maintaining illicit ties.
• Reporting cites documents showing Ciccarelli organized an April 18, 2019 event for Espert in Viedma and provided a campaign vehicle that had been transferred to his name on April 5, 2019.
• These articles report no new criminal charges against Villaverde, although outlets have resurfaced past allegations including a 2001 Florida drugs case and a Comodoro Py money‑laundering complaint.