At least 123 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during an early integrated operation that also saw the recovery of counterfeit US dollars equivalent to R4.1 million at Point, Durban CBD, on Tuesday morning.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said a multidisciplinary operation involving the police, Metro Police, Correctional Services, Home Affairs and other law enforcement agencies was aimed at stamping the authority of the state and raiding of hijacked buildings in and around the Durban CBD.

Six buildings were raided and one of them was found to be a municipality-owned building which was illegally occupied, and a person who was allegedly collecting rent money from illegal residents of that building was taken in for questioning.

During the operation, a total of 117 rounds of ammunition of various calibre of firearms and large amounts of liquor were recovered and seized. Two of the hijacked building had their illegal water and electricity connections disconnected.

One suspect was also arrested after he was found in possession of cocaine and crystal meth as well as an undisclosed amount of money.

The operation continues with police searching for suspects who are believed to be in possession of illegal firearms, the SAPS said in a statement.