Implementation of the 'Night Security and Calm Plan in Tehran'; Hundreds of Police Arrest 288 Individuals

A few hours after the launch of the 'Comprehensive Night Security and Calm Plan in Tehran' with the presence of hundreds of police, the Deputy Operations Commander of Greater Tehran Police announced the arrest of '288 foreign nationals, addicts, traffickers, thieves, and thugs in the capital.' Parviz Yaqoubi, Deputy Operations Commander of Greater Tehran Police, detailed what he called the 'achievements of this plan' executed on Tuesday night, stating that '120 thugs were arrested in last night's operation.' This police commander added that in addition, '89 violating businesses and 136 polluted spots were cleaned in this plan. Also, 68 illegal foreign nationals were arrested, and 28 illegal firearms were discovered and confiscated.' According to him, 'the collection of 40 visible addicts' from the streets, dismantling 'four drug trafficking and distribution gangs,' arresting '14 major traffickers,' and confiscating '252 kilograms of various drugs' from them, as well as arresting '31 drug dealers' are other 'achievements' of this plan. The Deputy Operations Commander of Greater Tehran Police also reported the seizure of '95 vehicles and 40 motorcycles, health tests from 35 drivers, and the arrest of 15 thieves, one of whom was stealing under the guise of traffic police.' As he stated, the value of various smuggled goods discovered in this plan is estimated at '15 million tomans.' The Greater Tehran Police Commander also reported the presence of 'hundreds of specialized police officers' in this plan. Hossein Rahimi identified among the police's goals in this plan the 'collection of visible addicts and homeless people in certain areas of Tehran, which is a demand from the public,' and 'arresting thugs and harassers who disturb the peace of citizens late into the night.' He mentioned that the hangouts of these individuals have been 'identified' in 'some coffee houses, gyms, and parks.' The operation also included dealing with 'disturbing vehicles,' 'gathering places of illegal foreign nationals,' 'neighborhoods involved in smuggling foreign nationals, especially Afghans,' addressing 'nighttime thefts and assaults, arresting armed and violent thieves, as well as pursuing stolen vehicles and addressing violations by heavy vehicles.' The Greater Tehran Police Commander also stated that 'these plans are carried out every night,' but 'tonight it has been publicized.' The Iranian police occasionally conduct similar operations under various titles, leading to widespread arrests. According to reports, the police and security forces of the Islamic Republic have increased their active presence, especially in populous cities, following recent protests in over 100 cities in Iran, which resulted in widespread arrests and the deaths of at least 25 individuals. After the unrest of 2009, which followed protests against the presidential election results of that year, the police also announced that they had arrested many 'thugs' during several large-scale operations in Tehran.