Two drug-related arrests were made and two vehicles impounded during a multi-stakeholder roadblock along the R27 Monday (7 February).
In the run-up to the official opening of Parliament and the State of the Province Address (Sopa) in Velddrif Premier Alan Winde conducted a site visit of a multi-stakeholder operation along the R27.
Winde was joined by the Provincial Minister of Transport and Public Works, Daylin Mitchell and the Acting Provincial Minister of Community Safety, Anroux Marais.
The joint operation was conducted with the Provincial Traffic, police, local traffic services and the Swartland K-9 unit.
During the operation two drug-related arrests were made, with a total of 29 vehicles and 42 persons searched. Additionally, two vehicles were impounded and 49 fines were issued to the value of R37 400.
“Our traffic officers and K-9 units are playing an important role in making our communities safer for all who live in our province and particularly, for those residing in the West Coast – as demonstrated today. Their efforts ensure that narcotics are seized before they can get to our communities and harm families. They help us to apprehend those involved in the smuggling of abalone, which does irreparable damage to our ecosystem, and they help to identify and remove ammunition and firearms before they are used in crimes,” Winde said.
According to the Premier he looked forward to making further announcements in terms of law enforcement on the province’s future initiatives to promote safety in the upcoming Sopa.
Provincial traffic law enforcement executed multiple joint integrated operations and visibility strategies throughout the province to ensure the safety of the motorists entering and exiting the province by carrying out its operational mandate to promote a safe and reliable road user environment on road networks.
Marais added that all residents have a role to play in making the provinces a safer place.
“It is really encouraging to see first-hand the important, and often life-saving work, conducted by our safety stakeholders including our traffic officers and K-9 units.
“You are playing an invaluable role in making our communities safer and I want to sincerely thank you for the good work that you are doing. I also want to encourage communities to work together with these stakeholders and be active citizens. If you notice suspicious behaviour, you must report it. We all have a role to play in making our province safe for all who call it home,” she said.
In addition, the Swartland K-9 unit aims to provide support and assistance to the police and other stakeholders to detect contraband, explosives, firearms, and ammunition.
Between October and December 2021, the K-9 unit project has ensured that 82 suspects were arrested, which include arrests made for drug-related charges; 29 traffic fines were issued; 13 roadblocks held; 86 person searches done; 480 vehicle searches and 174 premises searches were done.
