Friday night, a canine officer stopped a vehicle for no insurance and the driver was found to have been smoking marihuana.
Just after 6pm on Knockan Drive near Helmcken, a Saanich Police canine handler and his partner were on routine patrol. The officer spotted a vehicle that had expired insurance. The 1990 Toyota Cressida was stopped and it was confirmed against ICBC records that the insurance was inactive.
The 19 year old Saanich driver was contacted by the officer. When the officer was speaking to the driver, he noticed an odour of marihuana. When confronted, the driver confirmed that he had recently smoked marihuana.
The driver was arrested and searched and it was found that he had 20 grams of marihuana on his person. A violation ticket was issued for no insurance with a fine of $598.00. He was also issued a 24 hour roadside suspension and had his vehicle towed.
Charges under the CDSA are being considered.