Police are set to go after the "big sharks" of criminal syndicates with the formation of an elite squad of 220 highly-trained special task force members yesterday. 

Launched by Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the Special Task Force for Anti-vice, Gaming and Gangsterism (Stagg) was formed to target international and local underworld groups and gambling syndicates.

"Their main task is to target the sharks. We want to hit the underworld where it hurts the most by apprehending the big-time players.

"Stagg will hit them without warning. We are confident the days for these big sharks are numbered with the squad's formation." 

He said the squad comprised 61 officers, 139 policemen and 20 civil servants, with deputy commissioner Datuk Mohd Rodwan Mohd Yusof as its commander. 

Source: New Straits Times