Police in Saskatchewan have seized 24,000 kilograms of illegally transported dangerous goods following a traffic stop on a southern highway late last month.
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Members of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Combined Traffic Services Roving Traffic Unit stopped a semi-trailer for a compliance and safety check on Highway 13 near Ponteix, Sask., at about 9:30 a.m. on July 27.
Officers determined the vehicle, operated by a British Columbia-based trucking company, was potentially breaching several commercial vehicle regulations. The Saskatchewan Highway Patrol was called in to assist with the investigation.
Inspectors discovered the truck was carrying 24,000 kilograms of corrosive liquid — specifically UN3265 and Glycere 540, both classified as Class 8 dangerous goods.
Investigating officers found the semi was not permitted to haul dangerous goods, the driver lacked required training and certification, and the vehicle displayed no placards identifying the hazardous cargo, among other offences. Authorities noted the highway route taken lacked mandatory weigh scales.
A 28-year-old man from B.C. has been charged with one count of obstructing a peace officer under the Criminal Code. He was also issued multiple commercial vehicle-related tickets.
The driver is scheduled to appear in Swift Current Provincial Court on Nov. 26.
“The safe transportation of dangerous goods is essential to protecting Saskatchewan’s highways, communities and economy,” Michael Weger, minister of community safety, said in a statement. “Their work helps keep our roads safe for everyone, every day.”
Saskatchewan RCMP and the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol say the investigation is ongoing.
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