BUENOS AIRES, Argentina—Argentine President Mauricio Macri on Monday vowed to crack down on drug trafficking as federal police led a national manhunt for three escaped prisoners convicted in drug-related killings.
Macri’s comments were his first about the Dec. 26 escape that has shocked Argentines—and a sign that the new administration has decided it can longer treat it as a local issue, as top officials initially did in the days after the prison break.
Macri, who assumed office Dec. 10, cast the situation as a sign that drug trafficking had run amok, to the point that drug bosses could pull strings to get people out of jail.
“We are committed. We will not look away. We are going to take this on with all our strength,” Macri said during an event with Maria Eugenia Vidal, the governor of the Buenos Aires province who has come under pressure since the men escaped.
Victor Schialli and brothers Martin and Cristian Lanatta broke out of the General Alvear prison in Buenos Aires province the day after Christmas and have been on the run ever since.
The three were convicted in 2008 of killing three men allegedly connected to an ephedrine trafficking ring. Last week, authorities said the men engaged in a shootout with police who were closing in. One officer was injured and the men got away.
The escape has led to a blame game between officials in the previous and current government and an investigation of prison personnel. It has also put a spotlight on drugs in the South American nation.
