Mafia ar împiedica intenționat răspândirea fentanilului în Italia. Teoria controversată potrivit căreia organizațiile criminale își protejează clienții

The Italian mafia is believed to limit fentanyl spread for economic reasons, as fewer deaths from the drug are reported compared to the U.S. However, experts argue that the low death rate is not unique to Italy and may be due to different drug consumption histories in Europe. The Italian market remains less attractive for fentanyl compared to cocaine, and there is no evidence of mafia intervention. Comparisons with Germany show that many fentanyl-related deaths involved other substances, complicating the narrative. Authorities have noted fentanyl presence in heroin, but no mafia ban on the drug has been proven. The situation reflects distinct European drug market dynamics rather than organized crime agreements.