WESTERN CAPE NEWS - Western Cape provincial traffic officers stopped a heavy motor vehicle for a routine inspection as part of their patrol duties on the N1 between Laingsbug and Leeu Gamka on Saturday 25 November.
While inspecting the two trailers of the truck, the officers detected 40 bags of compressed cannabis weighing two tons and with an estimated value of R16m.
The driver was arrested and detained at the Laingsburg police station.
This remarkable drug bust comes just a week after provincial traffic officers, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a cannabis shipment worth R7m in a joint operation with Saps Crime Intelligence on the N1 in Worcester.
“I am thrilled with the results achieved by our Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement, who actively contribute to the safety of residents and visitors in our province,” said Western Cape Mobility Minister Ricardo Mackenzie. “I encourage all road users to support the dedicated teams working hard to keep you safe, especially as we head into the festive season.”
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, congratulated these officers on the significant haul.
“Drugs are a leading cause in the violence and murders plaguing our province. Intercepting contraband shipments on our roads means that they do not enter our communities,” he said.
“Those involved in this illicit industry must continuously be disrupted. I urge our communities to continue to inform all law enforcement agencies, including traffic and the police, about where illicit items are and when there are plans to transport them to different locations. This enables us to remove them from our society and make our province safer.”
Results of WC Provincial Traffic Services
From 20 to 26 November, provincial traffic inspectors conducted 321 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check points and speed control operations; and stopped and checked 30 328 vehicles across the Western Cape.
A total of 8 198 fines were issued for various traffic violations. Fourteen vehicles were impounded and 104 were discontinued for being found to be unroadworthy.
A total of 208 speeding offences were recorded, with the following highest speeds:
• 160km/h in a 120km/h zone
• 183km/h in a 100km/h zone
• 119km/h in an 80km/h zone
• 90km/h in a 60km/h zone
• 79km/h in a 40km/h zone
A total of 84 arrests were made for the following offences:
• 52 x driving under the influence of alcohol
• 1 x speeding
• 7 x reckless and negligent driving
• 6 x goods overloading
• 7 x possession of fraudulent documentation
• 1 x inducing any authorised officer or peace officer to act in conflict with his/her duty
• 1 x failing to furnish information
• 1 x in possession of stolen property
• 1 x in possession of stolen vehicle
• 1 x in possession of illegal substance (cannabis)
• 2 x undocumented persons
• 1 x obstructing/hindering an authorised officer in the execution of his/her duty
• 1 x attempted hijacking
• 1 x wilfully damaging or tampering with a vehicle or throwing an object at a vehicle
• 1 x threatening/suggesting use of violence against a traffic officer
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