An impaired B.C. driver who was allegedly caught with a glass pipe in his mouth said it was just marijuana, but an investigation suggests otherwise.
According to BC Highway Patrol (BCHP), on Jan. 6, just before 11 a.m., a BCHP officer in an unmarked cruiser was passed by a driver on Harvey Avenue in Kelowna.
BCHP said the driver appeared to have a glass pipe in his mouth.
According to BCHP Corporal Michael McLaughlin, when he was pulled over, he claimed he was “only” smoking cannabis.
“Perhaps he didn’t realize it’s illegal to be impaired by any drugs while driving- including cannabis,” McLaughlin said in a release.
BCHP said it arrested the 56-year-old driver, and after searching his vehicle, found a butane lighter and a glass pipe, typically used to smoke crack cocaine “with two hands.”
“There was no evidence of marihuana. The driver performed poorly on a Standardized Field Sobriety Test, so he was given a Blood Demand and taken to hospital for further testing. He also told police he had smoked crack ‘earlier’ in the day,” BCHP added.
McLaughlin said, “Impairment in any form is unacceptable, and that includes prescription and recreational drugs.”
“You need to drive sober all of the time, and especially in slippery, winter conditions.”
For his driving infraction, the 56-year-old Kelowna man had his vehicle impounded and got a 24-hour driving suspension. He also received a ticket for failing to produce a driver’s licence.
“Criminal charges will be considered pending laboratory results and further investigation,” BCHP added.
Thankfully, the driver wasn’t trying to outrun an elk while allegedly being impaired.