GQEBERHA – A multi-agency law enforcement operation in Gqeberha has resulted in several arrests, drug seizures and the confiscation of counterfeit goods, including medicine and hair products, valued at approximately R900,000.

The operation, conducted on Tuesday, 28 April, formed part of Operation Identity and targeted the Korsten business area and surrounding locations.

Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said SAPS Gelvandale worked alongside other SAPS units, the municipal police, the SANDF and the Department of Immigration during the coordinated effort, which ran between 09:00 and 16:00.

Authorities carried out compliance inspections at second-hand goods dealers to identify suspected stolen items, including televisions, laptops and cellular phones.

Search warrants were also executed at identified drug outlets, focusing on the seizure of illegal firearms and narcotics.

Roadblocks and stop-and-search operations were conducted, while officers also enforced municipal by-laws and traffic regulations.

The operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects for the illegal possession of drugs, as well as 26 undocumented individuals.

Fines totalling R12,000 were issued for municipal by-law infringements, while traffic violations amounted to R13,000.

Police confiscated various narcotics, including 23 packets of CAT, 24 packets of crack cocaine, 29 packets of tik and 30 mandrax tablets.

Counterfeit goods, including clothing, medicines and hair products, with an estimated value of approximately R900,000, were also seized.

Officers also conducted high-visibility patrols and visited key locations such as ATMs, banks, taxi ranks, shopping centres, schools and identified crime hotspots.

Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo commended the members involved for their coordinated efforts.

“The success of today’s operation demonstrates our commitment to proactive policing and ensuring that those who engage in criminal activities are brought to justice. We will continue to intensify these operations to safeguard our communities and maintain law and order,” Ngalo said.

Police said operations under Operation Identity will continue as part of ongoing efforts to combat crime, enforce the law and ensure community safety.

ALSO READ: Border police confiscate fake goods worth hundreds of thousands