RCMP says officers seized 24 tonnes of dangerous goods being transported illegally through Sask.

The Saskatchewan RCMP says its officers seized 24 tonnes of dangerous goods that were being transported illegally through the province last month.

According to the Mounties, officers patrolling on Highway 13 near Pontiex on July 27 stopped a semi-truck for a safety and compliance check, and found the truck – which was owned by a B.C. trucking company – “was potentially in breach of several commercial vehicle laws.”

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The RCMP said officers working along with the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol determined that the driver was hauling 24,000 kilograms of corrosive liquid, “including UN3265 and Glycere 540, both class 8 dangerous goods.”

The Mounties said the officers discovered that the semi was not permitted to carry dangerous goods and was not marked with a placard identifying the load as hazardous.

The 28-year-old driver, a resident of B.C., was handed multiple commercial vehicle tickets, police said, and was charged with obstruction. He’s expected to appear before a provincial court judge in Swift Current in November.

“The safe transportation of dangerous goods is essential to protecting Saskatchewan’s highways, communities and economy,” said Michael Weger, Saskatchewan’s minister of community safety, quoted in a statement shared by the RCMP.

“I want to thank the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol and the RCMP for their vigilance and professionalism in identifying these violations and taking action. Their work helps keep our roads safe for everyone, every day.”