Saskatchewan RCMP seized over 24,000 kilograms of illegally transported dangerous goods on Highway 13 near Ponteix. At around 9:30 a.m. July 27, the RCMP’s Combined Traffic Service’s Roving Traffic Unit stopped a semi for a compliance and safety check. RCMP found the semi, operated by a BC-based trucking company, was potentially in breach of commercial vehicle laws. The Saskatchewan Highway Patrol was called to assist in the investigation into the potential infraction. A search of the semi found 24,000 kilograms of corrosive liquid, including UN3265 and Glycere 540 - class 8 dangerous goods - which the semi was not permitted to carry. There was no placard on the truck identifying dangerous goods, and there were no mandatory weigh scales on the highway the semi was checked on. “The safe transportation of dangerous goods is essential to protecting Saskatchewan’s highways, communities and economy,” said Michael Weger, Minister of Community Safety, while thanking officers for their work in keeping Saskatchewan roadways safe. The driver, a 28-year-old man from BC, was not trained or certified to operate a vehicle with dangerous goods. He faces one charge of obstruction of a peace officer and was hit with several commercial vehicle-related tickets. He’s scheduled to appear in Swift Current Provincial Court in November. RCMP and the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol continue to investigate.
