The challenge posed by the exponential spread of synthetic drugs is a political priority of the Government. Of particular concern is fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid illegally produced and available on the market in various forms, including liquid and powder.
Over the past decade, fentanyl has spread widely in the USA and other parts of the world, with serious social and health consequences. In this context, the Government closely monitors the evolving threat posed by synthetic drugs and is at the forefront of international efforts to combat their production and trade (including online) within the national territory.
To systematize and organize Italy’s commitment in this priority sector, the Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Department for Anti-Drug Policies has prepared the National Plan against the improper use of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
The Honorable Minister has emphasized on several occasions the political priority nature of the dossier and his personal attention to it, starting from his participation in the launch event last July of the International Coalition against Synthetic Drugs initiated by Secretary of State Blinken. On direct impulse from the Honorable Minister, the issue was brought to the attention of the G7 countries at the recent Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Capri and was included in the final communiqué issued at the end of the meeting. The issue will continue to be at the center of the Honorable Minister’s upcoming international engagements, starting with the 5+1 format meeting with the countries of Central Asia scheduled in the coming weeks. Similar contacts may also be pursued with other key countries in combating the spread of these drugs to further strengthen operational cooperation on the issue.
Based on this foundation, the Government has promoted a communication and awareness campaign on the topic, significantly focused on the international dimension, presented today at Palazzo Chigi during a press conference by the Honorable Minister and the Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Council Mantovano. Below is the link to the video recording of the press conference, for your information: https://youtu.be/MMYeKWXrJMQ.
In addition, the Honorable Minister has instructed the Ministry and the network of Embassies, Consulates, and Italian Institutes of Culture abroad to participate in the campaign by giving maximum dissemination to the following materials, which will soon be made available in various foreign languages: an informative video on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to combating synthetic drugs and fentanyl; infographics with data on the phenomenon and actions developed at the national level and specifically by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; an informational note.
