Western Cape safer after R16 million cannabis bust by Provincial Traffic
On Saturday 25 November 2023, 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.
While inspecting the two trailers of the truck, the officers detected 40 bags of compressed cannabis weighing two tonnes and with an estimated value of R16 million. The driver was arrested and detained at the Laingsburg South African Police Service (SAPS) station.
This remarkable drug bust comes just a week after our Provincial Traffic Officers intercepted a cannabis shipment worth R7 million in a joint operation with SAPS Crime Intelligence on the N1 in Worcester, which was made possible by a tip-off received beforehand.
“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. I encourage all road users to support the dedicated teams working hard to keep you safe, especially as we head into the Festive Season,” said Minister Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Minister of Mobility.
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, said, “I congratulate and salute these officers on their significant haul. Drugs are a leading cause in the violence and murders plaguing our province. By intercepting contraband shipments on our roads, it means that they do not enter our communities. 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 SAPS, 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 from WC Provincial Traffic Services – 20 to 26 November 2023
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 ranging from driver to vehicle fitness. Fourteen vehicles were impounded and 104were 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; and
- 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; and
- 1 x threatening/suggesting the use of violence against a traffic officer.
MEDIA QUERIES:
Rebecca Campbell
Spokesperson for Minister Ricardo Mackenzie
Tel: 076 783 2583