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New drug test powers

By Fred Davies
July 3^rd, 2008

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."




Original Source:
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/parksville_qualicumbeachnews/news/22915834.html