Traffic officers intercept dagga at Tsitsikamma toll plaza
Drugs seized from the vehicle at the toll plaza
Image: Supplied
Provincial traffic officers seized about 15 bags of compressed dagga during a vehicle stop at the Tsitsikamma Toll Plaza on the N2, leading to the arrest of a driver and a manhunt for an escaped suspect.
The bust happened on Monday night, April 13, during routine checks linked to foot-and-mouth disease operations. Officers from the Knysna Provincial Traffic Centre stopped a vehicle travelling from the direction of Gqeberha and uncovered the drugs during an inspection.
The driver, believed to be a foreign national, was arrested after failing to provide documentation for the consignment. The South African Police Service has taken over the investigation, and the value of the drugs is still being determined.
A male passenger fled into nearby forest while still handcuffed and remains at large.
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku said: “I commend them for their vigilance and quick action. Beyond enforcing traffic laws, officers play a critical role in combating serious criminal activity during roadblocks, patrols, and weighbridge operations.”
He added: “This year alone, officers have arrested 14 drivers for possession of drugs, which highlights the scale of the challenge we are dealing with. Drugs are a major driver of violence and crime in our province, and by intercepting them on our roads, we are helping to keep our communities safe.”
Chief Director of Traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout said: “These outcomes demonstrate that traffic enforcement operations are also an important crime prevention tool, disrupting organised criminal networks that use the road network to transport illegal substances and contraband.”
“Through visible policing, intelligence-led operations, and cooperation with SAPS and prosecuting authorities, our traffic officers continue to make a meaningful contribution to public safety beyond road safety enforcement,” she said.
The arrested driver is expected to appear in court.
In a separate incident on Tuesday, April 14, traffic officers and Grabouw police stopped a light delivery vehicle on the N2 near Orchard at about 10:50am and found 22 bags of abalone.
The driver was arrested, and the abalone is estimated to be worth R635 773.