In a coordinated operation carried out over the past few days, police have arrested 76 individuals found to be living and/or working in the country irregularly, the police said Monday

The inspections were conducted on several buses in Malta and Gozo, as well as on private and commercial vehicles.

The individuals arrested are from Syria, Nigeria, Gambia, Ghana, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, and Serbia. They are currently being held at a detention centre pending repatriation.

During the inspections, the Police Force was assisted by officials from the Detention Services Agency, as well as from Transport Malta, JobsPlus, and Identità.

The police said the intensive operations will continue in the coming days and weeks.