RCMP remove 21 impaired drivers during northern patrol covering 2,400 kilometres

Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services removed 21 impaired drivers from the road during a five-day traffic safety initiative in northern Saskatchewan, with most involving drugs.

Officers conducted the fourth phase of a winter enforcement campaign from March 11 to 15 in and around the La Ronge detachment area. Police from Martensville and Saskatoon, along with Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS), took part in the operation.

A Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services officer departs Stony Rapids to patrol the ice road during a northern enforcement initiative.

Police patrolled 2,400 kilometres and stopped 90 drivers for impairment checks.

As a result, officers suspended two licences for alcohol consumption prior to driving and 18 for drug use. One driver was charged with impaired operation under the Criminal Code.

Officers also issued 117 tickets, including 43 for speeding, along with 93 warnings.

Patrols covered Highways 102, 905 and 964, as well as communities including La Ronge, Stony Rapids, Fond du Lac, Uranium City, Black Lake and Southend. Officers also travelled the ice road between Stony Rapids and Uranium City and conducted roving check stops in Southend.

RCMP say traffic enforcement efforts will continue across Saskatchewan to target impaired driving and promote road safety.