COPPER pipes, cables and a railway control arm were among the items confiscated from a scrap metal dealer in Greenwood Park over the weekend.

According to provincial SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala, the owner of the premises allegedly fled the scene when police approached his business.

Gwala said this was as a result of a joint operation by various role players.

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“During the operation, scrap metal dealers were also visited to check compliance in terms of the Second-Hand Goods Act. The team proceeded to a scrap metal dealer in Greenwood Park and upon seeing the police officers, the owner fled his business premises. Police recovered copper pipes, copper cables and a railway control arm at the premises. The total value of the recovered property is R30 000,” Gwala said.

Gwala added that the operation was conducted simultaneously in Durban North, Point, Durban Central, Umbilo, Greenwood Park and other areas within the eThekwini District.

“The operation focused on drugs, illegal firearms, counterfeit goods, illegal liquor outlets and undocumented persons and offenders who have absconded their parole. A total of 115 suspects were arrested for various crimes, including 54 for contravention of the Immigration Act, five for possession of drugs, six for non-compliance with the liquor act, 31 for road traffic offences and six for drinking in public,” she said.