The Mafia may be keeping fentanyl out of Italy, according to a report by The Economist. Traditional crime groups in Italy have historically controlled drug trafficking, but the rise of fentanyl presents a new challenge. Unlike cocaine or heroin, fentanyl is cheaper and easier to produce, making it attractive to smaller, more decentralized networks.

However, the Mafia's established distribution channels and territorial control have inadvertently prevented fentanyl from gaining a foothold. The article suggests that the Mafia's preference for traditional drugs and their resistance to change have acted as a barrier. This situation highlights the complex dynamics between organized crime and drug markets in Europe.