80 ampoules of fentanyl stolen from Rome hospital; government holds crisis meeting

Eighty ampoules of fentanyl, a potent opioid used for pain relief, have disappeared from a Rome hospital, prompting an emergency government meeting. Italian police suspect the powerful drug, stored in a hospital safe, was stolen for distribution on the illicit drug market. The theft has raised significant alarm, as even small doses of fentanyl can cause severe consequences or death. The office of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni convened a crisis meeting involving health officials to address the incident. Hospital staff reported the disappearance of the vials from the Magliana district facility. Authorities found no signs of forced entry on the safe, and the hospital confirmed that multiple employees have access to its key. Officials expressed deep concern over the "irresponsible conduct of individuals responsible for the security of these substances, despite strict rules regarding their access and storage." Carabinieri and health surveillance units have launched an investigation, while the Ministry of Health has ordered an inspection of the hospital. The Rome prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into theft and possession of illicit drugs with intent to distribute. The stolen fentanyl could be used to prepare approximately 20,000 doses of the illegal drug.