The Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has the power to kill at less than three milligrams, has become a growing threat to public health. With at least 30 times the potency of heroin and 50 times that of morphine, this compound has been the subject of growing concern by the Italian government, which has decided to act to protect citizens, especially young people, from this lethal substance.
TO Palazzo Chigithe undersecretary to the Presidency of the Council, Alfredo Mantovano, presented the National Prevention Plan against the improper use of Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. During the announcement, Mantovano underlined the seriousness of the situation, highlighting that Fentanyl, if used outside of healthcare systems, can not only cause addiction, but also cause death by suffocation.
The mafia is interested in illicit trade
One of the most concerning aspects of Fentanyl is its low-cost availability on the illegal market, making it aattractive option for those looking for a quick solution to pain or who seek extreme sensations. Its lethal power, however, also makes its use extremely risky.
Although there is no current emergency linked to Fentanyl in Italy, there are worrying signs regarding its circulation in the country. In particular, Italian intelligence has reported a interest of the ‘Ndrangheta in testing the market to assess its suitability, raising further concerns about the potential criminal implications linked to this substance.
The measure to counter its spread
The National Prevention Plan presented by the Italian government aims to address this threat through a series of targeted actions. These include efforts to increase public awareness of the risks associated with Fentanyl, enforcement actions to prevent its spread and illegal trafficking, as well as monitoring and surveillance measures to promptly identify any increases in the misuse of this substance.
Additionally, the Government is working to strengthen international cooperation in combating international trafficking of this substance and other synthetic opioids, recognizing that this is a threat that must be addressed globally.
At the same time, we will invest in information and education, especially in schools, to raise young people’s awareness of the risks linked to the abuse of opioid substances such as Fentanyl.
Another important measure taken by the government is the introduction of stricter regulations for drug precursors, such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, substances commonly found in cold medicines. These regulations aim to prevent the illicit use of these substances to produce synthetic drugs, such as amphetamines.
Prime Minister Meloni commented on the proposed measures to combat the spread of what in jargon is called zombie drugs: “We are proud that Italy is one of the very first nations in Europe to adopt a very detailed prevention plan against the use misuse of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.”
The synthetic that kills
In 2022, Fentanyl caused the deaths of more than 100,000 people in the US, an alarming sign of the devastating consequences of abusing this substance.
One of the main concerns at the moment is the possible spread of Fentanyl in Europe through online commerce. This channel offers an opportunity for users to access the substance anonymously and without regulation, increasing the risk of abuse and overdose.