Italian police arrested 539 people, including 47 minors, in a sweeping operation against youth crime across 44 provinces, authorities said Monday. The coordinated sweep, led by the Central Operational Service, also resulted in formal charges against 954 additional suspects, police said.
Officers seized 703 kilograms of narcotics, including cocaine, cannabinoids, and ketamine, along with 136 weapons and roughly 307,000 euros in cash. Nearly 190,000 people were checked in nightlife and drug-dealing districts, and more than 1,100 buildings were searched, including shelters for unaccompanied migrant minors and gaming arcades. Investigators also flagged 973 social media accounts promoting hatred and violence.
Among specific cases highlighted by police, two minors aged 15 and 17 were jailed in Milan for aggravated robbery, while suspects in Rome are being investigated for disorder near the Colosseum on July 1.