Police seized a pound of marijuana bud from a Surrey resident during a road check held on April 20. Several officers were involved in the check on Highways 5 and 24 in Little Fort.
An officer was checking a van being driven by a 48-year-old male when a mild odor of marijuana was noted. Other indicators also indicated that the subject was involved in illegal activity and the officer entered into an investigation under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act.
The driver was arrested and a search conducted. Two half-pound bags of marijuana bud were located in the rear of the van in a canvas bag. The driver now faces charges of possession of a controlled substance and was released for court in Clearwater in July.
Officers also noted the driver had been consuming alcohol and requested a breath sample. The driver blew a "Warn". This meant he was not over the legal limit under the Criminal Code but was served an Immediate Roadside Prohibition for three days under the Motor Vehicle Act.
Impaired driver caught because he was not wearing a seat belt
On April 20 an officer was writing up a report in the pull out near the Wells Gray Inn when he spotted a vehicle go by with the driver not having his seat belt on. The officer stopped the vehicle and immediately noted signs of alcohol consumption. A test was conducted on an Approved Screening Device. The driver blew a "Fail", which indicated he was over the legal limit.
The driver was processed under the Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP). He is now prohibited driving for 90 days and his vehicle has been impounded for 30. In addition he received a violation ticket for Failing to Wear a Seat Belt and Fail to Display "N".
Police found a small quantity of marijuana in the vehicle as well.
This incident occurred shortly after 3 p.m., indicating that not all impaired drivers are caught at night. Police are working towards safer roads and safer communities.