Pot-smoking driver busted for much more than bad driving

A newly licenced driver was spotted by a recently formed Kelowna RCMP Strike Force last Friday at about 4 p.m., driving slowly through an area known for drug trafficking.

The driver was stopped, initially for motor vehicle infractions.

“While speaking with the driver, officers detected a strong odor of cannabis coming from inside the vehicle,” says a Kelowna RCMP news release. “The driver pointed out to the officer there was cannabis in the centre console and a knife between him and the door. The driver was detained for officer safety due to the presence of a knife."

When police opened the door to seize the knife, drugs, cell phones and money fell to the ground.

“The Nissan Rogue was impounded and the following items were processed: four cell phones, one black knife, 90.3 grams of cocaine, 28.7 grams of fentanyl, 124 pills of Dilaudid with 56 unknown yellow pills and a large sum of Canadian currency,” the news release says.

Charges were filed against the driver for failing to wear a seatbelt, failing to display an "N" and being a driver in possession of cannabis.

But, after lab tests or done on the drugs, he might also be charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

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