Kelowna RCMP catch multiple drug impaired drivers in December

CounterAttack is a police-run roadblock that helps to catch drug and alcohol-impaired drivers, the program has been running in BC for over 35 years.

While the CounterAttack campaign typically runs in July and December, these road checks are meant to publicize that BC’s impaired driving laws are tough and impose harsh penalties on impaired drivers.

During the 2020 operation, Kelowna RCMP removed 39 impaired drivers from the road and performed two Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluations.

In December 2021 alone, Kelowna police removed 60 impaired drivers from our roads.

Officers performed 14 DRE evaluations on drivers impaired by drugs and charges are pending against these drivers once results are received from the RCMP Forensics Lab.

“On average, a DRE officer will perform approximately three evaluations per year,” said Sgt. Mark Booth of Kelowna RCMP Traffic Services.

“The fact that our officers performed 14 tests during the month of December, indicates more drivers are using illegal or prescription drugs and getting behind the wheel.”

From the 60 drivers removed from the road in December, this includes the following:

• 3 Day IRP (An investigation under the Motor Vehicle Act when drivers blow a warning on the roadside screening device).
• 90 day IRP (An investigation under the Motor Vehicle Act when drivers blow a fail on the roadside screening device or refuse the roadside test).
• 90 day ADP (An impaired driving investigation under the Criminal Code and the driver is prohibited from driving for 90 days).
• Investigations under S. 215 of the Criminal Code for driving impaired by alcohol or drug.