Cannabis fines laid during weekend impaired driving checks in South Okanagan

PENTICTON – It didn’t take long for South Okanagan RCMP to crack down following the legalization of marijuana. Police have charged a driver for being under the influence of cannabis during an enhanced impaired driving campaign this weekend.

A driver was observed and suspected to be under the influence of cannabis during one of numerous road checks conducted in Penticton, Osoyoos, Oliver and Keremeos. RCMP don't say exactly where the driver was pulled over.

RCMP say the driver was subjected to a standardized field sobriety test and a subsequent evaluation by a drug recognition expert that confirmed the driver’s impairment, and he was given an immediate roadside suspension.

Cpl. Ryan McLeod of the South Okanagan Traffic Services said in a press release several violation tickets were issued under the new Cannabis Control and Licensing Act. Two minors found in possession of cannabis received $230 fines, and 10 violations for cannabis possession in a motor vehicle that was readily accessible to driver and passengers were also issued at $230 each.

Six-alcohol impaired drivers were also taken off local roadways, McLeod says.

He says local officers are trained and prepared to deal with drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol, adding South Okanagan Traffic Services members are all training in standardized field sobriety testing and can detect both alcohol and drug impaired drivers.

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