WPS putting more officers on street in campaign to curb drugged driving

The Winnipeg Police Service is launching a six-week enforcement blitz targeting drivers impaired by cannabis.

The WPS, in partnership with Manitoba Public Insurance, will increase the number of officers on the street to focus on drivers who might be under the influence of cannabis or other drugs.

“Don’t drive high — it’s dangerous, it’s detectable and it’s definitely illegal,” said Const. Alex Peterson, the service’s impaired driving countermeasures co-ordinator.

“Motorists are urged to educate themselves about the cannabis products they choose to consume and to allow sufficient time for the substances to clear their system.”

Peterson said the impairing effects of cannabis can last a long time — up to 12 hours for edibles.

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to impairment,” he said, noting a variety of factors play a role in how intoxicated a user may get from cannabis.

Peterson suggested waiting at least 12 hours after consuming any kind of cannabis before getting behind the wheel.

He would not reveal many details of the planned tactics of the campaign, which runs until March 1, but said at least some of the enforcement will take place near cannabis stores across Winnipeg.

“We do random traffic stops,” said Peterson. “If an officer stops a vehicle, he will have to form reasonable suspicion… once that reasonable suspicion is formed, then he will make a demand, an oral fluid demand.”

He said unusual driving, such as weaving, delayed stopping or driving too slow or fast, can play a role in officers determining reasonable suspicion, as can the odour of cannabis coming from a vehicle, the driver having bloodshot eyes or slurred speech.

City police have two kinds of screening devices that can test saliva for cannabis. One of them can also test for cocaine use.

Peterson said he expects the blitz will find some stoned drivers, given the prevalence of cannabis use, but hopes that spreading the message that impairment is dangerous behind the wheel will result in fewer people deciding to drive.

“I’m hopeful… that people will get the message,” he said.

During the last such enforcement project, in early 2025, police made 302 traffic stops, and 97 drivers tested positive for recent cannabis consumption. Officers issued 86 tickets, including for unlawful storage of cannabis in a vehicle and for consuming cannabis in a vehicle as a passenger.

This will be the third year of the program, said Peterson.

An awareness campaign — #DontDriveHigh — funded by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries will accompany the increased enforcement.

erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca