Italy seizes synthetic drugs worth 630 million euros from China

Italian financial services intercepted more than 6 tonnes of ecstasy precursors at Malpensa airport, preventing the production of 63 million pills. The cargo from China was destined for the Netherlands. This operation underlines Italy's commitment to the fight against drug trafficking, with international cooperation playing a crucial role

Massive drug seizure. Today, as part of an important operation, the Finance Guard Varese (Italian Financial Corps) intercepted shipments containing more than 6 tons of drug precursors at Malpensa airport, the largest international airport in northern Italy.

• These substances, including piperonyl methyl ketone (PMK) and BMK, are essential for the production of MDMA (ecstasy) and amphetamines.
• The seizure prevents the production of more than 63 million ecstasy pills, with an estimated street value of more than 630 million euros.
• The shipments from China were destined for a company in Milan and were destined for the Netherlands. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of PMK, a substance controlled by international regulations, leading to a wider investigation involving the Dutch authorities.

Anti-drug efforts continue in Italy. This operation underlines the commitment of the Italian government in the fight against drug trafficking. The government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has made this issue a priority, by strengthening international cooperation and implementing a national prevention plan against synthetic opioids.

• International collaboration played a crucial role in the cooperation, with the European Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) facilitating investigations in the Netherlands.
• Dutch police have discovered additional drug precursors and narcotics, leading to the arrest of two Chinese nationals. This highlights the effectiveness of joint efforts in combating global drug trafficking.

Expansive cooperation. Recent initiatives by the Italian government, including bilateral agreements and enhanced cooperation with Latin American countries, are part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking.

• Last week, Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano said Italy maintains continuous communication with countries such as Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and Argentina to develop common strategies and provide support for experts from the police and judicial sectors.
• Last year, Italy joined the US-led Global Coalition to Combat Synthetic Drug Threats, demonstrating its commitment to international collaboration.
• The national prevention plan introduced in March aims to prevent the misuse of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, even as Italy proactively tackles potential threats.