News release

Man claims he was “only smoking marihuana” after allegedly driving past police while smoking crack cocaine

January 13, 2026 - Kelowna, British Columbia
From: BC Highway Patrol

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Impaired and distracted driving are two of the deadliest things that you can do on BC roads, and a Kelowna man has been arrested for allegedly doing both at the same time.

On January 6, 2026, just after 10:30 a.m., a BC Highway Patrol officer in an unmarked police cruiser was passed by a driver on Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, who appeared to have a glass pipe in his mouth.

“When the man was pulled over, he claimed he was ‘only’ smoking marihuana,” says Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “Perhaps he didn’t realize it’s illegal to be impaired by any drugs while driving- including cannabis.”

The 56-year-old Kelowna man was arrested, and a search found a butane lighter and a glass pipe which is typically used to smoke crack cocaine with two hands. There was no evidence of marihuana. The driver performed poorly on a Standardized Field Sobriety Test, so he was given a Blood Demand and taken to hospital for further testing. He also told police he had smoked crack “earlier” in the day.

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

The driver’s vehicle was impounded, and he received a 24-hour driving suspension and a ticket for failing to produce a driver’s licence. Criminal charges will be considered pending laboratory results and further investigation.

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