Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani participated today in the video conference launching the Global Coalition to address Synthetic Drug Threats, organised by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. He said: “It is crucial that we are increasingly united in the fight against drugs, including these new substances that are spreading at an alarming rate.”
He added: “I have always been committed to the fight against drugs. It is a commitment that I have also pursued in Europe. Substance abuse has a deep impact on our young people, our families, and our communities.”
He noted: “These drugs are inexpensive and easily accessible. The age at which young people start using them is unfortunately decreasing. We must take action along three policy lines: the first is education. Only through education, within the family and at school, can we help prevent young people from falling into this trap. The second is to provide healthy, balanced and exemplary life models. The third is to spread our values, to educate the new generations to freedom and respect for rules. It is only by changing people’s mindsets that we can make a difference and aspire to achieve a drug-free world. The drug industry generates a huge illegal business. We must work to fight criminal organisations. Unfortunately, it is a very complex industry to follow: cyberspace is the new dimension in which to win the challenge against crime. We must follow money flows. The law enforcement agencies’ work is crucial in this respect.”
During the video conference, Minister Tajani expressed his thanks “for the initiative led by Secretary of State Blinken on behalf of the US government”. He stated: “This meeting is the beginning of a very important international process. We are committed to the Coalition, and we will also support it during the Italian G7 Presidency next year.”
