MARIJUANA-SMOKING DRIVER NABBED IN CHECKSTOP

Along with a candy cane, RCMP handed out a 24-hour suspension to a driver
who apparently took a toke before driving through a checkstop Wednesday.

Police noticed the odour of marijuana when the individual rolled down his
window after being stopped at the annual Candy Cane Checkstop on 100 Street
on Wednesday afternoon.

Cpl. Brent Mundle of the Grande Prairie RCMP said it is rare they come
across a violation during the well-advertised campaign.

"The intention of this isn't enforcement related but when we do have
somebody proceed through the checkstop who is in obvious violation, then we
do deal with them," he said.

The man was given a 24-hour driving suspension and his vehicle was towed.

The checkstop - conducted by GPREMS, Students Against Drunk Driving, RCMP,
the fire department, enforcement services - is to reinforce the importance
of safe driving and seat-belt use while discouraging impaired driving.

Mundle said people need to keep in mind alcohol isn't the only factor that
can impair a driver's abilities.

"When we're looking at people for impaired driving it's not only alcohol
but we consider their use of drugs as well."

Last year the campaign reached 1,000 vehicles in the GPREMS service area.

The campaign was in Grande Prairie and Valleyview this week and will be in
Beaverlodge and Hythe next week.