Drug raids launched in Sicily amid charges of selling to children

Rome, March 2, (dpa/GNA) – About 30 people were detained on Sicily on Tuesday as Italian police launched raids on the Mediterranean island against people who have allegedly been offering drugs to children and conducting deals near school grounds.

About 150 police officers participated in the raid in the coastal city of Syracuse, according to the Carabinieri.

Police said the gang had been selling cocaine, crack, has and other illegal products, sometimes reaching daily sales of 25,000 euros (30,000 dollars).

The suspects, who are accused of forming a criminal gang, also face charges of weapons possession.

Large police raids against drug gangs are common in Italy, where Mafia groups often play a role in the trade.

GNA