Catania police carried out a high-impact operation against youth crime after identifying weapon posts on social media, arresting a 19-year-old. Officers from the Squadra Mobile monitored online activity for young people allegedly inciting violence, promoting criminal behaviour, or displaying firearms. Investigators identified a suspect who posted images showing himself holding a pistol, partially concealed with emoticons. Police traced the social profile to the suspect’s home in the San Cristoforo district of Catania. During a home search, officers found a pistol that started as a freely sold weapon but had been modified in the barrel to allow cartridges to be inserted and fired. The gun was seized, along with its magazine and ammunition. The 19-year-old was arrested on instructions from the public prosecutor and taken to the Piazza Lanza prison. The social media checks also led investigators to a second youth, aged 20, linked to another profile showing a pistol, again partly hidden with emoticons. Officers then searched his home in Paternò. Inside, they found two steel knuckle-dusters, including one made by welding together bolts. Authorities also seized a softair pistol for further checks to determine whether it had been modified. The 20-year-old was reported to the judicial authorities. During the operation, police recovered handwritten notes containing ideas on organising a possible robbery, including guidance on how to obtain money and how to start a car without using keys. Investigators said the notes could indicate preparation for further offences. The operation identified 146 people in the Catania area, including 27 minors. Police also recovered marijuana and hashish, and for three people administrative violations related to possession of drugs were recorded and passed to the relevant authorities.