Winnipeg's impaired checkstop program launches with new concerns around cannabis

Winnipeg's roadside checkstopprogram begins this weekend with new equipment and a new focus in the wake of cannabis legalization.

Theprogramwill be in operation every day throughout December as police crack down onimpaired drivers.

"Impaired driving continues to be the No. 1 criminal cause of death in Canada, yet it is 100 per cent preventable," said Const. Stephane Fontaine,co-ordinator for the Winnipeg Police Service's checkstopprogram.

"The recent legalization of cannabis has brought forward further concerns surrounding drug-impaired driving."

In preparation, the police service has purchased and is currently training officers to use a new, mobile drug-screening device.

TheDragerDrugTest5000uses oral fluid to test for seven types of the most commonly abused drugs, according to the company's website. The police service will use it specifically to test for cannabis and cocaine.

TheDragerunit uses a swab from a person's mouth to analyze substanceson the spot,offering an alternative to collecting urine or blood samples, the company says.

The police service boughtseven of the $5,000 devices and is rolling them out on Saturday.They will be used alongsidethe standard breathalyzer test for detecting alcohol.

"I think it's safe to say I'm excited to have this additional tool,"Fontainesaid. "Hopefully it doesn't need to be used as often as it might be."

In addition, police will be using other drug-screening equipment as additional toolsto help detect drivers under the influence of cannabis or cocaine.

"Our message is simple:if you're under the influence of alcohol or drugs, don't drive,"Fontainesaid. "The Winnipeg Police Service would like everyone to have a safe and enjoyable festive season."