Eastern Cape police say since the deployment of the National Intervention Unit and Tactical Response Team in Port Elizabeth's northern areas in December last year, they succeeded in recovering several firearms, ammunition and large amounts of drugs, while several arrests had been made.
Spokesperson, Col Pricilla Naidu says these arrests were over and above those made by members of Gelvandale and Bethelsdorp police stations.
She says high-density patrols and visibility in these areas are making a significant impact.
Naidu says gaining support and trust from the communities in gang-stricken areas goes a long way in arresting suspects and confiscating illegal firearms and drugs.
She says one of the strategies implemented by Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga was to step up deployments in the city's Northern areas to stabilise the ongoing gang violence that is plaguing the communities.
Col Naidu says SAPS has vowed to continue to intensify policing until the area has stabilised and the communities are safe.
