Hoodlums netted in police raid

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Hundreds of hoodlums, prostitutes and other criminals have been netted during a recent police operation, code named Pekat Toba.

The operation also netted hawkers of alcoholic drinks, beggars, and people who did not have their identification cards with them at the time of the raid, Antara reported Monday.

In all, over 200 people have been arrested over the last three days.

Commander of the regional military command, Maj. Gen. Arie J. Kumaat, said, during the launching of the program on Friday, that the number of crimes continues to increase every year.

He likened the raid to medical surgery for "the diseases of the community, which may disturb security, stability". Among those "diseases" are robberies with violence, assaults, drug and pornography trafficking, and murders, he said. (swe)