Nine men were held for dealing in cocaine while more than 200 others were arrested for minor crimes in a crime combat operation at the weekend, Johannesburg police said yesterday.

Nine men were held for dealing in cocaine while more than 200 others were arrested for minor crimes in a crime combat operation at the weekend, Johannesburg police said yesterday.

"Five Nigerians, two South Africans and two Zimbabweans were arrested in Berea, Hillbrow and Joubert Park for drug dealing," said police spokesman, Captain Bheki Mavundla.

The men, aged between 18 and 28, were found in possession of cocaine tablets and cocaine powder, Mavundla said.

The drugs were usually wrapped and sold as sweets, he said.

The men were all arrested on different occasions during the weekend crime combat operations. Others held included a 28-year-old man, arrested in Joubert Park, for the illegal possession of a Star pistol and six rounds of live ammunition.

Others were arrested for possession of stolen cars and robbery. - Sapa