“The integrated operation had a massive positive impact on our crime stats.”
Sergeant Jonathan Filander, a spokesperson for Darling police, said an integrated roadblock held at the R27 and R315 crossing on the night of 17 November into the early hours of the 18th was a great success.
“The fact that no-one was able to use the R27 to transport abalone, drugs, stolen copper cables or any other illegal goods to Cape Town is a gain,” he said.
Filander said all other routes were cordoned off to keep smugglers from getting to their desired destinations.
He believes the roadblock sent a bold message to smugglers and discouraged the illegal trafficking of goods.
During the roadblock 187 vehicles were stopped, 180 people were searched and R20 000 worth of fines were issued for offences, such as un-roadworthy vehicles and driving without a licence.
The authorities taking part in the operation were Darling police, the Rural Flying Squad, Swartland Law Enforcement and the local K9 Unit, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Darling Rural Protection, Darling Neighbourhood Watch and Yzerfontein Neighbourhood Watch.
