Nearly one thousand social media profiles glorifying hatred and physical violence, including against members of the police forces, as well as the use of firearms and bladed weapons, were identified by police during the major operation against juvenile crime across 44 Italian provinces that led to the arrest of 539 people.

Of the 973 profiles discovered, two have been reported to the competent judicial authorities for possible removal.

**The operation's figures**

Those arrested number 539 (including 47 minors), 954 people were reported, 703 kilograms of drugs were seized, and 1,182 properties were inspected. Approximately 300,000 euros in cash, 49 firearms and 87 weapons were seized. 973 social media profiles glorifying hatred and violence were identified. Nearly 190,000 people were checked in drug dealing areas and nightlife zones. The operation was coordinated by the Central Operational Service.

The work of officers from the Mobile Squads, with the support of crews from the Crime Prevention Unit and other State Police offices, made it possible to check approximately 188,000 people, including more than 19,000 minors, primarily in drug dealing areas and nightlife zones. Seized items included 41 kilograms of cocaine, 660 kilograms of cannabinoids, 2 kilograms of ketamine, approximately 1,000 oxycodone tablets, as well as quantities of narcotic and psychotropic substances including shabu, ecstasy, MDMA and benzodiazepines, along with several precision scales.

A total of 1,182 properties were inspected, including 24 reception facilities for unaccompanied foreign minors, 117 gaming arcades and 543 commercial establishments, as well as various gathering places such as squares, public gardens, areas adjacent to railway stations and shopping centres. Following the checks, 506 administrative sanctions of various kinds were also issued, particularly for drug use and serving alcoholic beverages to minors. During the searches, in which numerous items of stolen property were found and seized — including gold chains, mobile phones and 307,000 euros in cash — 49 firearms and ammunition of various calibres were seized, along with 87 bladed weapons, 95 offensive objects including 3 electric stun devices, a baseball bat, a telescopic baton, a metal rod, canisters of irritant spray, various box cutters and tools suitable for breaking and entering.

Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA