Italy Drug Crackdown Leads to 1,300 Arrests

Authorities in Italy have arrested 1,335 people in a nationwide anti-drug operation that also resulted in the seizure of around 450 kilograms of narcotics, police said.

Law enforcement officials said another 2,358 people were charged without being detained. Seized drugs included cocaine, cannabis, and heroin.

Police also confiscated 111 firearms and nearly 250 weapons, including brass knuckles, stun guns, telescopic batons, swords, and axes.

More than 297,000 people, including over 15,600 minors, were screened during the operation, which focused on urban areas with high rates of drug use.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the results as a major blow to organised crime.