Sweetwater police announced an arrest at Dolphin Mall ahead of the holiday shopping season.

Officers arrested 24-year-old Luis Merchan-Meron on two felony counts related to counterfeit goods. Investigators said they seized more than 150 items worth thousands of dollars from the back of his truck.

According to court documents, an undercover officer spotted a transaction in the mall parking lot from about 10 feet away.

Police moved in after witnessing someone allegedly buying designer bags from Merchan-Meron.

Operation Safe Holidays ramps up security

Sweetwater Assistant Police Chief Frank Fernandez said the department has increased security at the mall with uniformed and undercover officers as part of the city's "Operation Safe Holidays" program.

"We have eyes, we have drones, we have

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