Italian government ramps up drug‑abuse prevention on International Day
On 26 June, the United Nations‑designated International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, Italy marked the occasion with a series of policy and health initiatives. President Sergio Mattarella appealed for a collective effort to protect young people, stressing the need for prevention, education and support services.
The Ministry of the Interior reported 6 666 drug‑related offences in the period 1 January – 31 May 2026, a 24.7 % increase year‑on‑year, alongside seizures of 498 kg of high‑risk drugs, 1 278 searches and the dismantling of ten organised crime groups. Police also tested 17 731 drivers, recording 282 offences for driving under the influence of psychoactive substances.
Regional authorities announced substantial new funding: the Calabria region allocated over €11 million for a three‑year programme targeting both substance and behavioural addictions; Friuli‑Venezia Giulia’s president called for strong messages and bans and highlighted the launch of a national addiction‑help hotline.
Health‑sector actions included the distribution of naloxone kits and a guide on overdose response, as well as a pilot in Rome offering eight free Deep‑TMS sessions to young people to curb craving. In Romania, World Vision released educational guides for children, parents, teachers and media to prevent early‑stage addictions.