Catania shaken by attack on police during anti-drug operation, three officers hospitalized

An anti-drug operation in Catania, Italy, ended with three police officers being injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

The incident was recorded on Monday, September 21, in the San Cristoforo neighborhood, known for drug-trafficking activity.

During the intervention, officers from the police station’s Flying Squad faced an attack involving helmets, rods and chairs, Italian media reported.

One of the officers suffered a fractured nose and facial trauma. His two colleagues sustained bruises and other injuries, and all three were taken to hospital for medical attention.

As the situation escalated, additional State Police patrols were sent to the area to support the officers involved in the operation.

Following the intervention, three people were arrested and transferred to prison.

The Catania case occurred just a few days after another attack on police in Palermo.

In the Falsomiele neighborhood, a group of residents attacked a patrol car with stones. According to reports, they were trying to help three people on motorcycles escape after they failed to stop at a checkpoint.

Several officers were injured, while two people suspected of the attack were identified and arrested in a warehouse. In addition, two patrol cars were damaged during the incident.

The two incidents, which occurred within a few days of each other, have revived the debate over the violence police officers face during operations in drug-trafficking areas and field checks.