Thirty two individuals were arrested by the police in Gzira in an operation related to begging in the streets.

Police and officials from the Detention Services Agency conducted a targeted operation in the Gzira area early yesterday morning following several days of surveillance.

The investigation was initially prompted by reports of individuals begging for money in the locality.

During the sweep, authorities arrested 32 people who were found to be living in the country irregularly. Among those taken into custody were the two individuals allegedly responsible for the begging reports that sparked the investigation.

All of the individuals are currently being held at a detention center while the necessary arrangements are made for their repatriation.