New drug test powers
By Fred Davies - Parksville Qualicum Beach News
Published: July 03, 2008 7:00 PM
New impaired driving legislation is now in effect with increased penalties and expanded police authority to demand physical sobriety tests and bodily fluid samples.
Bill C-2 became law on Wednesday, July 2. New provisions authorize certified officers to conduct a 12 step drug recognition evaluation designed to test for use of a wide range of drugs including cannabis, prescription medications and other commonly used narcotics. With evidence of impairment police can now demand a trip back to the station for samples of saliva, urine or blood. The new rules make it an offence to refuse a test or sample.
“Previously we would be issuing a voluntary request for urine or blood samples. If there was a refusal it was highly unlikely it would ever go to court,” said Oceanside RCMP Cpl. Garry Cox. “It’s an invaluable tool for us.”
