The Ministry of Interior, through the Viminale, has announced funding of 1 million and 500 thousand euros to enhance security in the vicinity of Italian schools. The initiative, named "Safe Schools", aims to prevent and combat drug dealing for the 2026/2027 academic year. The funds have been allocated to 70 selected municipalities, all with a population exceeding 15,000 inhabitants, as announced on October 23, 2026.

The municipal administrations receiving the contributions will have the opportunity to use these sums for a range of targeted measures. These include the installation and enhancement of video surveillance systems near school buildings, the temporary employment of new local police units to strengthen controls, and the funding of overtime hours for agents already in service. The resources can also be allocated to the purchase of vehicles and equipment useful for patrols and drug enforcement, as well as for the implementation of awareness and prevention campaigns, which are fundamental for educating and informing the student population about the dangers of drug dealing.

The Minister of Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, commented on the initiative, emphasizing the importance of supporting territories that invest in legality and security. Piantedosi stated that "Safe Schools" provides municipalities with "concrete resources to monitor the places frequented daily by our children". He also highlighted that these interventions are part of a broader drug combating strategy, which is not limited to prevention and combating activities, but also includes "continuous information, education, and awareness activities carried out by law enforcement in collaboration with families, schools, and local administrations".

The announcement, dated October 23, 2026, was formalized with the publication of a circular that details the activities planned for the prevention and combating of drug dealing near schools, as part of the "Safe Schools" 2026/2027 program. In addition, a specific list of the 70 municipalities that will receive the contribution was attached to the ministerial press release.