A high-level meeting was held at Palazzo Chigi to advance Italy’s new National Plan to Prevent the Misuse of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids. The initiative reflects growing concern over the global rise in synthetic drug abuse and aims to safeguard public health through coordinated national action.

Key Objectives of the Plan:

• Strengthen monitoring and early warning systems to detect fentanyl-related substances entering Italy.
• Enhance law enforcement coordination to disrupt trafficking networks and prevent domestic distribution.
• Improve public awareness and education, especially among youth and vulnerable populations.
• Expand medical and emergency response capabilities, including training for healthcare professionals and first responders.
• Promote international cooperation with EU partners and global agencies to share intelligence and best practices.

The meeting brought together senior officials from the Ministries of Health, Interior, Justice, and Education, alongside representatives from law enforcement, customs, and public health agencies. Participants emphasized the urgency of proactive measures to prevent Italy from facing the kind of opioid crisis seen in North America.

The National Plan will be implemented in phases, with immediate actions focused on border control, forensic analysis, and public outreach. Long-term goals include legislative updates and integration of synthetic opioid prevention into broader addiction and mental health strategies.