Manitoba RCMP to be trained to recognized doped-up drivers
WINNIPEG, Man. — The Manitoba RCMP is considering training its front-line officers on how to recognize when drivers are impaired on drugs.
“We want to be able to determine what drivers on the road are under the influence of a drug,” Sgt. Steve Saunders tells local media.
With the possible loosening of marijuana laws in the country, it’s feared by some there will be more drug-impaired motorists on the highways. Recently a Pembroke, Ont., resident was acquitted of driving while impaired by marijuana, even though he had a joint in his hand when pulled over. He was a multiple sclerosis sufferer who claimed he was using pot for medicinal purposes.
In Manitoba, the RCMP have just two drug-recognition experts, and they would like to expand that to include all traffic and front-line officers. But it won’t happen overnight.
“It’s in the very early developmental stages,” says Saunders.
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