Cannabis suspensions keep Sask. RCMP busy at Chamberlain traffic stop

A two-day traffic safety initiative in Chamberlain this week was a productive one for Saskatchewan RCMP, with a number of cannabis users stopped.

More than 3,500 vehicles were stopped between July 9 and 11 on Highway 11, with officers checking for unsafe driving, impairment, safety gear such as up-to-date car seats, and correct towing of recreational items such as boats and trailers.

Police said that 139 warnings  and 130 tickets were issued.

Those included 35 suspensions for cannabis use, ranging from three to 120 days. Police added the 120-day suspension was for driver who had a previous suspension for cannabis use. In Saskatchewan, there is a zero-tolerance law for driving with drugs in your body.

There were also two roadside suspensions for using cocaine  and four roadside suspensions for using alcohol.

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Officers also handed out one ticket for carrying open liquor in a vehicle, and issued two charges for possession of unmarked tobacco, while one person was arrested on an outstanding warrant, and three suspended drivers were stopped and ticketed.

Police said 42 vehicles were impounded as a result of operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol and two vehicles were taken out of service for vehicle equipment regulations violations.

“We know lots of people are on the road this week, travelling for summer vacations and attending seasonal events,” Supt. Grant St. Germaine, the officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services said in the release.

“When you look at the number ratios, it appears that most of Saskatchewan residents are getting the message that you can’t drink and drive. Cannabis, on the other hand, continues to be a concern on Saskatchewan roadways,” he added.

Around 30 police officers from Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan units from Rosetown, Martensville, Lanigan, Melfort, North Battleford, White Butte, Saskatoon Police Service, Regina Police Service, as well as Rosetown RCMP, Saskatchewan Highway Patrol officers with the Provincial Protective Services Branch, and Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management assisted at the traffic stop.