With recreational cannabis now legal, local RCMP were busy on the weekend looking out for impaired drivers.
“The aim of the campaign (was) to remove any alcohol or drug impaired drivers from the roadway,” said Cpl. Ryan McLeod of South Okanagan Traffic Services (SOTS) in a news release.
McLeod said all SOTS officers are trained in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and can detect both alcohol and drug impaired drivers.
Road checks were conducted in Osoyoos, Oliver Keremeos and Penticton.
One driver received a roadside driver’s license suspension after being observed and suspected to be under the influence of cannabis. The driver was subjected to a sobriety test and was evaluated by a drug recognition expert.
Several violation tickets were issued under the new Cannabis Control and Licensing Act.
These included two minors found in possession of cannabis, fined $230 each. There were 10 violations for possessing cannabis within a motor vehicle readily accessible to either the drivers or passengers.
Six alcohol-impaired drivers were also removed from the roadway.
“Local officers are trained and prepared to deal with drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol,” said McLeod. “It is recommended that motorists do not drive under the influence of cannabis or alcohol. There can be criminal consequences in either case.”
People who plan to possess, transport or otherwise use cannabis should also educate themselves on the related legislation to avoid penalties, he added.
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