Italian Police Arrest 1,335 in Nationwide Drug Crackdown

Italian law enforcement agencies conducted a nationwide anti-drug operation resulting in the arrest of 1,335 people. Authorities also seized approximately 450 kilograms of narcotics, 111 firearms, and 250 cold weapons.

Officials involved in the operation stated in a release that charges were brought against an additional 2,358 individuals who were not detained. The seized drugs included cocaine, cannabis, and heroin. The police did not specify the duration of the operation.

The law enforcement agencies reported confiscating 111 firearms along with about 250 cold weapons. These included brass knuckles, stun guns, telescopic batons, various swords, and axes.

During the raids, over 297,000 people underwent drug testing, among them more than 15,600 minors. Security forces concentrated their efforts mainly on city neighborhoods identified as having high rates of drug use.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the operation’s outcomes as a decisive blow against crime.