Fentanyl in Italy: ROS raises the alarm: ‘A phenomenon that needs to be monitored’. General Molinese: ‘A theft at a hospital is a warning sign’

Alongside the issue of fentanyl, Molinese provided the Parliamentary Anti-Mafia Commission with an up-to-date overview of drug seizures in Italia. In 2024, approximately 58 tonnes of drugs were seized, down from 89 tonnes in 2023.

“In 2024, a total of approximately 58 tonnes of drugs were seized in Italia, 19 tonnes of which – 32 per cent – were seized in border areas, mostly maritime, compared with the 89 tonnes seized in 2023, of which only 22.8 tonnes – 26 per cent of the 2023 total – were seized in border areas.”

The decline in seizures in border areas is also seen in the context of changes to routes and methods of concealment and transport.

“‘In 2024, the total quantity of drugs intercepted at the various border areas fell significantly compared with the previous year, by about a third,’ continues Molinese, ‘this is due not only to the effectiveness of the control measures but also to changes in the routes and methods used for concealment and transport’.

According to the ROS commander, the drugs trade is not limited to cocaine. Molinese also highlighted the trafficking routes for heroin, hashish, cannabis and synthetic drugs.

In addition to cocaine, Molinese explains, the drugs market also involves “heroin, of Afghan origin, which reaches Italia via the so-called African route” and “the Balkan route, where Turkish traffickers are believed to be the main players”.

“Hashish from Morocco arrives in the Italia either via Spain or on fishing boats, whilst cannabis is also grown in large quantities on the Italian peninsula,” he continues. “Synthetic drugs appear to be produced mainly in north-eastern Europe,” he concludes.

During the hearing, Molinese went on to outline the role of the main criminal organisations in drug trafficking. The ’Ndrangheta continues to be identified as the Italian mafia group with the greatest influence in international drug trafficking, particularly in the cocaine trade.

During the hearing, Molinese pointed out that ‘for decades, the ’ndrangheta has been the local criminal organisation playing the most significant role in international drug trafficking, particularly in the trafficking of cocaine. This significant capacity stems from its propensity to forge direct and privileged relationships with South American cartels, consolidated through a network of brokers’.

Furthermore, across the country, ‘the ’ndrangheta is tightening its direct control over drug dealing hotspots in major cities, including Rome’.

In this sector, there is also an ‘active presence of the Camorra, Cosa Nostra, Apulian organised crime and ethnic mafias’.

Molinese also touched on the Camorra, highlighting its ability to extend its influence beyond Italy and its control over drug-dealing hotspots, particularly in Campania.

As for the ‘Camorra, which has long since extended its influence beyond national borders’ by setting up ‘operational bases’ in other European countries, particularly in ‘Spain and the Netherlands’. ‘Domestically, the Camorra maintains military-style, far-reaching control over drug-dealing hotspots, particularly in Campania,’ he continues.

With regard to Cosa Nostra, Molinese explains that ‘it has recently shown a renewed interest in drug trafficking’.