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2 clusters · 5 sources · 6 days · First seen · Last updated

Drug consumption and overdose trends in Italy

Overview

Italy has reported low levels of fentanyl intoxication, with only two recorded cases in 2024. Some experts, including author Roberto Saviano, have theorized that organized crime groups might be exercising a “veto” on the drug to protect existing heroin and cocaine markets, though police state there is no conclusive evidence for this. Concerns regarding fentanyl have been heightened by the disappearance of 80 doses from a medical center in Rome.

By 2025, drug consumption patterns showed a shift as cocaine surpassed heroin as the leading cause of overdose deaths, accounting for 46% of the 249 recorded deaths. In Rome, residents have reported increased social degradation, and public alarm has grown regarding the potential arrival of fentanyl following viral videos of drug use. Research indicates significant cocaine use among youth, with approximately 46,000 students aged 15-19 reported to have used the substance in the previous year.

Entities

National Research Council · Ospedale Israelitico · Rome · Carabinieri · Vincenzo Molinese

Timeline

  1. [CRIME] 3 sources
    Italy drug trends: Cocaine overtakes heroin in overdose deaths

    Cocaine has overtaken heroin as the primary cause of overdose deaths in Italy, amid rising usage among students and public concern over potential fentanyl emergence in Rome.

  2. [CRIME] 2 sources
    Italy reports low fentanyl use amid theories of mafia influence

    Italy reports minimal fentanyl intoxication in 2024, leading to theories that organized crime may be restricting the drug to protect existing markets, though police lack conclusive evidence.

Sources

atacamanoticias.cl · fuoriluogo.it · ospedalemarialuigia.it · reportediario.cl · vdj.it