Italy arrests 539 in massive youth crime crackdown

The large-scale crackdown, coordinated by the Central Operations Service, also led to criminal charges against 954 individuals. Law enforcement officers screened nearly

ROME: Italian police have arrested 539 people, including 47 minors, during a nationwide operation targeting youth-related crime across 44 provinces, authorities said.

The large-scale crackdown, coordinated by the Central Operations Service, also led to criminal charges against 954 individuals. Law enforcement officers screened nearly 188,000 people, including more than 19,000 minors, focusing on areas associated with drug trafficking and nightlife.

Investigators identified 973 social media accounts accused of promoting hate, violence, and attacks on police officers, including content involving firearms and knives. Two of the accounts have been referred to judicial authorities for possible blocking.

During the operation, police seized more than 700 kilograms of illegal drugs, including cocaine, cannabinoids, ketamine, ecstasy, MDMA, methamphetamine, benzodiazepines, and around 1,000 oxycodone tablets.

Authorities also searched 1,182 locations, including reception centers for unaccompanied foreign minors, amusement arcades, commercial establishments, and public gathering spots. The raids resulted in the confiscation of approximately €307,000 in cash, 49 firearms, ammunition, dozens of bladed weapons, and other dangerous items. Officers also recovered suspected stolen property, including gold jewelry and mobile phones.

Police issued 506 administrative fines, most of them related to drug use and the illegal sale of alcoholic beverages to minors, as part of one of Italy’s largest recent operations against youth crime.