Major drug busts across Italy: 384 arrests, 655 reports, 1.400 kilos of narcotics seized

The State Police has concluded a vast national operation with a "high investigative impact" against drug dealing and crimes linked to so-called widespread crime.

The operation, conducted by Mobile Squads throughout the country and coordinated by the Central Operations Service, resulted in 384 arrests and 655 reports at large, in addition to the seizure of approximately 1.400 kilograms of drugs.

Investigators are targeting not only traditional drug dealing hubs, but also areas associated with "bad nightlife" and areas deemed sensitive. The charges involved incidents of violence, "settling of scores," property crimes, illegal possession of weapons, and drug dealing. They also focused on new methods of procurement and consumption, highlighted by analyses by the Central Directorate for Anti-Drug Services.

The numbers of the operation

During the checks, carried out with the support of the Crime Prevention Unit and other Police Headquarters offices, the Police:

95.164 people considered suspicious have been identified (16.701 foreigners and 10.848 minors); around a thousand are currently being assessed for possible administrative prevention measures

384 people were arrested (166 foreigners and 6 minors) and 655 people were reported (256 foreigners and 39 minors)

35 kg of cocaine, 1.370 kg of cannabinoids and 1 kg of heroin seized

41 firearms and 80 bladed weapons were seized, as well as more than 300.000 euros in cash believed to be the proceeds of drug dealing

565 administrative sanctions were issued, mostly for drug use and illegal alcohol administration

Social media profiles have been identified and are currently being checked: the contents, according to reports, could be linked to the criminal phenomena covered by the operation, with the possibility of reporting them to the judicial authorities for possible blocking.

Focus on cannabis shops and new rules

In the same context, targeted checks were carried out on the application of the new regulatory framework introduced by Legislative Decree 48/2025, converted into Law 80/2025, which also concerns the sale of hemp-based products in so-called cannabis shops.

The specific investigations led to:

5 cannabis shops seized in 3 cities

3 arrests and 141 reports against owners or managers

312 cannabis shops inspected

seizure of 296 kg of cannabinoids which, from initial analyses, appear to have characteristics of narcotic substances

The budget in Naples

As regards Naples, the Flying Squad reported having:

3 people reported (owners or managers of cannabis shops)

5 cannabis shops checked

Over 5 kg of cannabinoids were seized, which initial analysis suggests were similar to narcotics, as well as 322 packages containing various types of substances.