POLICE Force in Shinyanga Region has seized over 250 grams of fake gold and a muzzleloader firearm that were being carried on a bicycle during a special crackdown operation.

The operation, which was carried out between November 27 and December 22, 2024, had led to the arrest of 81 individuals and the confiscation of various illegal items.

Shinyanga Regional Police Commander, Janeth Magomi, revealed the details of the operation during a press briefing yesterday. 

She confirmed that the counterfeit gold, believed to be smuggled for illegal trade, was seized along with other significant items in a series of targeted raids across the region.

“The fake gold was recovered during our operations, along with a muzzleloader firearm in Bugomba A Village, Ushetu, in Kahama District. The suspect was seen with the firearm on his bicycle. However, upon noticing a police vehicle approaching, he fled  , abandoning the bicycle. We are still on the lookout for him,” Magomi said.

The operation has also led to the recovery of a wide range of other illegal items. These include 9,000 grams of cannabis, nine bundles of khat, 113 litres of illicit   alcohol (locally known as 'gongo'), seven solar panels, four solar batteries, and several motorbikes. 

A total of 11 motorcycles, three motorbike registration cards, four satellite TV antennas, two radios, and a bonanza machine for processing illicit alcohol were also confiscated.

“The items seized, including illegal drugs, firearms, and equipment for producing counterfeit gold and illicit alcohol, are clear evidence of the ongoing illegal activities in the region," Magomi said.

He added: “We remain committed to breaking down the  illegal supply chains that harm both our economy and the safety of the public.”

In addition to crime, the police had been addressing road safety issues in the region. 

According to Commander Magomi, the operation also targeted traffic violations, with a total of 5,376 crimes recorded. These included violations by 3,767 vehicles, 1,609 motorcycles, and auto-rickshaws. Offenders were promptly issued on-the-spot fines, and their vehicles impounded where necessary.

“We are taking a strong stance on road safety, and these fines are part of our efforts to curb accidents and ensure compliance with traffic laws. The increased number of fines shows the scale of violations in our region,” Magomi said.

 She further emphasised the importance of community cooperation in ensuring public safety, urging citizens to continue reporting criminal activities to the police. 

She also appealed to parents and guardians to be vigilant, especially during the festive season when criminal activities often increase.

"We urge everyone to remain vigilant, especially as we approach the end of the year and the festive period. Parents and guardians must take responsibility for the safety and well-being of their children, and we call on the public to assist us in keeping our communities safe," she said..

The Shinyanga Police Force is expected to continue its crackdown on illegal activities, with further raids and arrests likely in the coming weeks as part of the broader effort to dismantle organised criminal networks in the region.