Italian police arrested 539 people in a nationwide crackdown on youth crime, local media reported on Monday.
The operation, coordinated by the Central Operations Service and carried out across 44 provinces, also led to charges against 954 people, including 47 minors, according to the ANSA news agency.
Authorities identified 973 social media accounts promoting hate speech and physical violence, including content encouraging attacks on law enforcement officers and the use of firearms and knives. Two of the accounts were referred to judicial authorities for possible blocking.
Police also screened around 188,000 people, including more than 19,000 minors, with checks focused mainly on areas associated with drug trafficking and nightlife.
During the operation, police seized more than 700 kilograms (1,543 pounds) of narcotics, including 41 kilograms of cocaine, 660 kilograms of cannabinoids and two kilograms of ketamine. Officers also confiscated around 1,000 oxycodone pills and quantities of ecstasy, MDMA, methamphetamine and benzodiazepines.
A total of 1,182 properties were searched, including 24 reception facilities for unaccompanied foreign minors, 117 amusement arcades, 543 commercial establishments and several public gathering places.
The raids led to the seizure of €307,000 (about $351,000) in cash, 49 firearms, ammunition, 87 bladed weapons, and 95 other weapons or potentially offensive objects.
Police also recovered suspected stolen goods, including gold necklaces and mobile phones. Authorities issued 506 administrative fines, mainly over drug use and the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors.
Source: Express Tribune
