Channel-Port aux Basques RCMP seizes vehicle of impaired driver during checkpoint

July 30, 2026 - Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP

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Channel-Port aux Basques RCMP seized a man’s vehicle and his driver’s licence early Sunday morning, after he refused to provide a breath sample as part of an impaired driving investigation.

During the early morning hours on July 26, Channel-Port aux Basques RCMP officers conducted a proactive traffic checkpoint on Route 407 in Upper Ferry, stopping vehicles to validate driver licences, registration and insurance and to check for impaired drivers, seatbelt use and other vehicle safety issues.

At around 1:30 a.m. officers approached the driver of a passenger car, observed signs of intoxication and attempted to administer a roadside breath test. The 66-year-old man failed to provide an adequate sample for testing and was arrested for impaired operation.

He was charged with impaired operation and failure or refusal to comply with a demand. He was released and is required to appear in provincial court in September 2026.

In addition, his driver’s licence was suspended, and his vehicle was seized and impounded.

Failing or refusing to comply with a demand issued by police as part of an impaired operation investigation is a criminal offence. If convicted, this offence carries the same penalties as a charge of impaired operation.

Impaired drivers place themselves and all others who share the roadway at an unacceptable risk of serious injury or death. If you suspect a driver is operating a vehicle while impaired, please call 911 immediately.

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