116 nabbed in statewide crime sweep across Penang

New Straits Times

23-04-2025

GEORGE TOWN: The State Criminal Investigation Department detained 116 individuals during the Mega Noda and Op Cantas operations, conducted between April 19 and 22.
The integrated operation, which involved various external agencies, was carried out across all districts in the state with the aim of comprehensively tackling and preventing criminal activities.
Penang police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said the primary objective was to combat elements contributing to the state's crime index.
"Raids were carried out at various locations, resulting in the arrest of suspects identified as key contributors to the rising crime rate across the state.
"The operations also targeted immoral activities, gangsterism, and individuals likely to commit crimes — such as drug addicts and traffickers — as well as efforts to locate suspects involved in violent crimes who remain at large," he said in a statement today.
Hamzah said that 60 premises were raided and 479 individuals were screened during the operations.
"As a result, 116 arrests were made, including 12 individuals who tested positive for drugs in urine screenings, and 17 individuals listed as wanted by the police.
"In addition, the operations successfully resolved eight violent crime cases in the northeast, Seberang Perai Utara, and Seberang Perai Tengah districts," he said.
Hamzah said that the success of these operations reflected the ongoing commitment of the police, particularly the Penang police, to safeguarding the safety and well-being of the public.