Son of former Argentine president detained for weapons
Carlos Nair Menem, son of former Argentina president Carlos Menem, detained for possession of drugs and firearms
The son of former Argentina president Carlos Menem has been detained for possession of drugs and firearms.
Carlos Nair Menem, 34, was stopped by police early on Tuesday in Buenos Aires travelling on a motorbike without registration plates.
After searching him and a male companion, police discovered a rifle, a 9mm pistol and two wraps of cocaine, according to DyN news agency in Argentina.
A police spokesman in Buenos Aires said: “We received a 999 call at 6.30am this morning reporting a disturbance in the street between two men on a motorbike. When officers arrived two men tried to run off and were detained.
“One of the men was found in possession of a 765 calibre rifle and the other had a 9mm pistol as well as a small quantity of cocaine. No shots were fired.”
Carlos Nair is the illegitimate son of Carlos Menem, Argentina’s president from 1989 to 1999.
Death of Alberto Nisman: Timeline of an Argentine scandal
In 2006 a court ruled that Carlos Nair was his son, on the basis of “presumption of paternity” after Menem refused to take a DNA test.
Mr Menem's half-sister Zulema told Todo Noticias that her brother had previously been treated for drug addiction.
Carlos Nair’s half-sister Zulemita Menem said: “He’s sick, he’s a danger to himself and to others.”
She claimed that he robbed an ex-girlfriend ten days ago, stealing her motorbike and some jewellery.
“They were seeing each other but she had broken off with him for various reasons. She answered the door and he pushed his way in, with another man. My friend was totally beaten up, broken nose and ribs.
“It’s really sad. He has a good heart but he’s sick and won’t let anybody help him.”
Carlos Menem, now aged 84, continues to serve as senator of his home town province of La Rioja.