REGIONAL NEWS - Knysna traffic officers have been commended for their vigilance after a significant drug seizure at the N2 Tsitsikamma Toll Plaza on Sunday night, 13 April, where about 15 large bags of compressed dagga were discovered during a routine vehicle inspection for ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control operations.
The operation, conducted by two officers from the Knysna Provincial Traffic Centre, formed part of regular high-visibility enforcement duties along key transport corridors.
Officers stopped a vehicle travelling from the direction of Gqeberha for inspection at the toll plaza.
Dagga concealed in vehicle, driver arrested
During the search, officers uncovered a substantial consign-ment of compressed dagga hidden inside the vehicle.
The driver was unable to produce valid documentation for the cargo and was immediately arrested on suspicion of dealing in dagga.
The police attended the scene, secured the evidence, and has since taken over the investigation. Forensic analysis is under way to determine the full street value of the seized drugs.
Second suspect flees scene
A second suspect, a male passenger in the vehicle, reportedly fled the scene into nearby forested terrain while still handcuffed. He remains at large and law enforcement agencies have launched an active search operation.
Minister praises officers' swift response
Western Cape Minister of Mobility Isaac Sileku praised the officers, saying that their intervention prevented drugs from reaching communities across the province.
He emphasised the broader role of traffic officers in combatting crime beyond road safety enforcement.
"I commend them for their vigilance and quick action. Beyond enforcing traffic laws, officers play a critical role in combatting serious criminal activity during roadblocks, patrols, and weighbridge operations," said Sileku.
He added that officers have already arrested 14 drivers for drug possession this year.
Traffic enforcement seen as key crime prevention tool
Chief Director of Traffic Management Maxine Bezuiden-hout noted that co-ordinated enforcement operations are increasingly serving as an effective crime prevention mechanism.
She said intelligence-led policing and collaboration between traffic authorities and the police continue to disrupt organised criminal networks using provincial road corridors for illegal transport.
"These outcomes demonstrate that traffic enforcement operations are also an important crime-prevention tool," she said.
Separate abalone bust near Grabouw
In a separate incident on Monday 14 April, a traffic officer conducting high-visibility patrols in co-operation with local police members intercepted a light delivery vehicle near Orchard, in the Grabouw area, at about 10:50.
Officers discovered 22 bags of abalone concealed in transparent packaging.
The driver was arrested at the scene. The estimated street value of the confiscated abalone is
R635 773.
Ongoing investigations
Authorities say both incidents highlight the growing effectiveness of co-ordinated enforcement operations along major transport routes in the Western Cape. Investigations into both cases are continuing, while the search for the escaped suspect continues.
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