**** RCMP Media Release
RCMP arrest six drivers impaired by drugs in eleven days
Members with RCMP Northwest Traffic Services have arrested six drivers between April 16 and April 27 for impaired driving by drugs. Officers noticed signs of recent drug use while conducting the following traffic stops on Highways 102 and 104:
On April 16 shortly after 3 p.m., police stopped a vehicle near Alton driving 21 kilometres over the limit.
On April 17 just before 6 p.m., a vehicle was noticed drifting side to side and changing speeds near Hilden.
On April 18 shortly after 12 p.m., a vehicle travelling 30 kilometres over the limit near East Mountain was pulled over.
On April 20 shortly after 3 p.m., a driver without a visible licence plate near Shubenacadie was stopped.
On April 21 at around 11:30 a.m., police pulled over a vehicle that failed to slow down while passing a traffic stop near Jersey.
On April 27 at 1:30 p.m., officers noticed a strong odour of cannabis coming from a vehicle approaching a provincial checkpoint on Hwy. 104.
In each case, the officer conducting the traffic stop began speaking with the driver and noticed signs of recent drug use. The officer demanded an oral fluid sample on an Approved Drug Screening Equipment (ADSE) and the test was positive for THC (cannabis). Each driver was arrested and provided samples of blood that will be sent away for analysis. The drivers also each received various 24-hour suspensions and Summary Offence Tickets for offences under the motor vehicle and cannabis control acts. If the concentration of THC in each driver’s blood is over two nanograms per millilitre, police can lay charges.
The RCMP in Nova Scotia currently have 25 ADSE’s stationed across the province which allows officers to conduct a roadside analysis of a driver’s oral fluid, if the officer suspects the driver may be impaired by drugs. If the oral fluid sample tests positive for recent drug use, the officer can request a blood sample or further testing at a detachment.
Police are reminding drivers that the penalties for driving impaired by drug are the same as driving impaired by alcohol. If you believe someone driving is an immediate threat to public safety, call 911 when it is safe to do so.
