Police handed out 214 tickets, impounded 20 vehicles during Chamberlain check stop

Saskatchewan police officers handed out hundreds of tickets during a two-day check stop at Chamberlain this week.

According to the Saskatchewan RCMP, Mounties and municipal police officers joined forces for the check stop along Highway 11 on Wednesday and Thursday, where more than 3,000 vehicles were stopped by police.

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At the end of the event, the RCMP said officers had handed out 214 tickets and impounded 20 vehicles after finding that the drivers had recently consumed drugs or alcohol.

A total of 30 officers participated in the event, police said. (Saskatchewan RCMP/Submitted)

During the check stop, police tested 33 drivers for cannabis, resulting in 15 tickets, along with impoundments and roadside licence suspensions for the drivers who had recently consumed the drug. Police also made three seizures of what was described as “illicit cannabis.”

“We’ve issued a number of roadside suspensions for cannabis use before driving,” Cst. Mario Chabot, an RCMP officer based in Rosetown, said in a statement.

“It’s important for all drivers in Saskatchewan to know that you are not allowed to use cannabis then drive.”

One driver picked up a roadside suspension for alcohol use, while another driver had their licence suspended for cocaine use, the RCMP added.

Of the 214 tickets handed out, 29 were for speeding. (Saskatchewan RCMP/Submitted)

One person picked up a criminal charge for impaired driving, while four people were ticketed for having open alcohol inside the vehicle.

Of the 214 tickets handed out, three were for seatbelt violations, 29 were for speeding, and one was for speeding more than 50 km/h over the posted limit, resulting in a vehicle impoundment, the RCMP added.

Additionally, police handed out 247 warnings during the check stop, and gave out a pair of car seats to drivers who were “transporting children with expired, faulty, or no child safety seat.”

A total of 30 officers participated in the event, police said.

“Motorists are generally glad to see officers taking impaired drivers off the road and deterring driving behaviors like speeding that put others at risk,” Chabot added.

“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.”

Highway 11 was likely busier than normal during the check stop, as many people were headed to Craven, north of Regina, to attend the Country Thunder music festival.

Brendan Tuchscherer, chief superintendent of the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol, said police are proud of the work they did over the two days.

“These check stops are a team effort between agencies, and they show the public that we’re working together to keep communities safe,” Tuchscherer said, quoted in the RCMP’s statement.