A benzodiazepine-fueled accident in Alghero, but he was acquitted: "Not on drugs, but depressed."

"Drugs," yes, but legal. A 50-year-old man from Sassari was acquitted in court on charges of causing an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol. The man had veered off the road in 2023 in Alghero, and blood tests revealed the presence of benzodiazepines. These psychotropic drugs have been frequently taken by many people in recent years, in combination with opiates to enhance the euphoric effects.

During the preliminary investigation, however, the truth emerged had nothing to do with drug addiction, but rather with depression. Benzodiazepines are found in anxiolytics, medications prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders. The client's psychiatrist himself told the court that the presence of the molecules was related to the psychotropic drugs his client was taking. This factor was highlighted in court during the hearing by defense attorney Stefano Porcu, who requested his client's acquittal. This was ultimately confirmed, "because the fact does not exist," in the ruling issued by Judge Caterina Serra.