A 43-year-old truck driver is behind bars after a large consignment of drugs, estimated to be worth R1.7 million, was seized by police on the N1 near Laingsburg.
The incident occurred on Monday, 11 November, around 23:30 when Laingsburg police conducted a vehicle checkpoint on the busy route.
According to Sergeant Chris Spies, spokesperson for the Western Cape police, officers stopped a delivery truck heading towards Cape Town for a routine inspection.
During the search, six bags of dagga were discovered hidden in the vehicle.
The truck driver was immediately arrested on charges of dealing in drugs.
“The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to appear in court on Wednesday, 13 November, to face the charges,” said Spies.
This arrest comes just weeks after another truck driver was caught in the same area. On 17 October, a 28-year-old driver was arrested for concealing R89,000 worth of khat in the boot of his truck’s trailer.
Authorities continue to crackdown on drug trafficking along the N1, with these two high-profile arrests highlighting the growing concern.
Police also made another significant arrest in George, where a 30-year-old woman was apprehended on similar drug-related charges.
These arrests form part of the Safer Festive Season operations currently underway across the province.
Authorities are urging all drivers to be aware of the increasing efforts to combat drug trafficking, especially during the busy festive season when traffic along major routes tends to spike.
For more on the previous arrest in Laingsburg, visit this article on SA Trucker.
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