NCDC Director for Sustainability and Lifestyle, James Ume today (Aug 27th, 2024) clarified misconceptions circulating on social media regarding actions taken by the police to clear street vendors in the city. In a press conference at CBC (Catholic Bishops Conference), Ume clarified that this was not part of the preparations for the Papal visit. "This is actually an operation spearheaded by the police and has nothing to with the Pope's visit." "It has to do with law enforcement and vendors selling at the right locations." "This operation has been going on for some time and it just so happens to be taking place in the lead up to the Papal visit." He added that there has also been an increase of individuals taking their business to the traffic light area which is illegal. "We have seen an influx of sellers doing business near the traffic which has breached police compliance." He encouraged individuals to sell their betelnut at markets and other designated spots. "We are not discriminating against our street sellers, this is to do with compliance; when you break the law, that's when law enforcement comes in." “Operation Harim Tok is a police operation carried out specifically to remove illegal vendors and reduce petty crime in NCD.”