President Meloni’s statement on national plan to prevent misuse of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids

We are proud that Italy is one of the very first nations in Europe to adopt such a detailed plan to prevent the misuse of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

Fentanyl, also known as the ‘zombie drug’, whose spread has caused a real emergency in the United States, is a very powerful analgesic with potentially devastating effects for those who take it other than for health reasons. In fact, just 3 milligrams of the substance is enough to kill a person.

The Government’s watchword is prevention. This is the principle guiding our plan of action to prevent the spread of fentanyl in Italy and to raise awareness among citizens, especially the younger generations, about the dangers of this substance.

I wish to thank Undersecretary of State Mantovano, the Department for Drug Policies and all the Ministries that have helped draw up the plan, setting out concrete actions and targeted measures.

The fight against drugs and all pathological addictions is a top priority for this Government and we will continue to work tirelessly and with determination in this direction.

[Courtesy translation]