B.C. driver caught smoking crack cocaine said it was ‘only’ pot, police say

A police officer holds drug paraphernalia while searching the vehicle of a man who was arrested for driving while smoking crack cocaine. (B.C. Highway Patrol)

A Kelowna, B.C., man accused of smoking crack cocaine while driving past police reportedly told them he was “only smoking marijuana.”

“Impaired and distracted driving are two of the deadliest things you can do on B.C. roads,” Cpl. Michael McLaughlin of B.C. Highway Patrol said in a news release Tuesday, adding that the 56-year-old was arrested for allegedly doing both of those things at the same time.

The incident unfolded at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 6, when a BCHP officer in an unmarked police cruiser was passed by a driver on Harley Avenue, who appeared to have a glass pipe in his mouth.

RCMP said when the man was pulled over, he told them it was just cannabis.

“Perhaps he didn’t realize it’s illegal to be impaired by any drugs while driving, including cannabis,” McLaughlin added.

After searching his vehicle, Mounties did not find any marijuana, but rather a butane lighter and a glass pipe typically used to smoke crack cocaine with two hands, BCHP said.

The man reportedly told police he had smoked crack “earlier” on in the day.

RCMP said he performed poorly on a standardized field sobriety test, and was given a blood demand and taken to hospital for further testing.

“Impairment in any form is unacceptable, and that includes prescription and recreational drugs,” said McLaughlin. “You need to drive sober all the time, and especially in slippery, winter conditions.”

The driver had his vehicle impounded, and was given a 24-hour driving suspension, as well as a ticket for failing to produce a driver’s licence.

Authorities said criminal charges will be considered pending lab results and further investigation.