Truck driver arrested for transporting two tonnes of cannabis between Laingsburg and Leeu Gamka

A truck driver was arrested on the N1 between Laingsburg and Leeu Gamka, on Saturday, after he was caught transporting cannabis worth R16 million.

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The Western Cape's Mobility MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, said Provincial Traffic Officers stopped a heavy motor vehicle for a routine inspection as part of their patrol duties.

"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."

The drug bust comes just a week after officers intercepted a cannabis shipment worth R7 million on the N1 in Worcester, following a tip-off.

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“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 Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape's Mobility MEC.

The Western Cape's Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, applauded the drug bust.

"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.”

 

Done By: Mitchum George