On Wednesday and Thursday, Combined Traffic Services Section (CTSS) hosted a two-day check stop on Highway #11 in Chamberlain.
CTSS units from RCMP Rosetown, Meadow Lake, Maidstone, Martensville, Melfort, North Battleford, Fort Qu’Appelle and Lanigan along with units from both the Saskatoon Police Service and Regina Police Service and the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol.
During the check stop, over 3,000 drivers were stopped.
33 cannabis tests were administrated over the two days, resulting in 15 tickets with roadside suspension and vehicle impoundment to drivers who recently consumed cannabis.
“We’ve issued a number of roadside suspensions for cannabis use before driving. It’s important for all drivers in Saskatchewan to know that you are not allowed to use cannabis then drive,” says RCMP Cst. Mario Chabot of Rosetown CTSS in a statement.
Additional violations included:
1 roadside suspension for alcohol use.
1 roadside suspension for cocaine use.
20 impounded vehicles for consuming drugs or alcohol before driving
1 criminal charge for impaired operation of a vehicle.
4 tickets for open liquor in the vehicle.
214 total tickets, including 3 seatbelt violations; 29 for speeding and one for speeding more than 50 kilometers over the speed limit resulting in impoundment.
22 tickets or warnings for trailer/tow related violations.
3 seizures of illicit cannabis.
Also 247 warnings were issued to motorists, and a pair of car seats were issued to drivers who were travelling with expired, faulty, or no child safety seat.
“Motorists are generally glad to see officers taking impaired drivers off the road and deterring driving behaviors like speeding that put others at risk. We want to thank everyone who passed through the Chamberlain traffic stop this week for their patience and shared commitment to safety, as well as the many officers who dedicated their time,” shared Cst. Chabot.
“These check stops are a team effort between agencies, and they show the public that we’re working together to keep communities safe. It’s something we’re proud to be a part of,” Saskatchewan Highway Patrol Chief Supt. Brendan Tuchscherer.