Sicamous RCMP pulled three licences within two hours from drivers who got behind the wheel while under the influence of cannabis.

At approximately 8 p.m. on Jan. 3, officers were checking drivers on Highway 1 east of Sicamous and stopped an SUV with the operator displaying visible signs of intoxication while the interior of the vehicle smelled strongly of cannabis.

A standardized field sobriety test to detect impairment by drugs was conducted on the driver, who performed badly, resulting in a 24 hour suspension of his licence under the Motor Vehicle Act. His vehicle was towed from the scene and impounded for the same length of time.

The second incident occurred shortly after at 8:30 p.m. in the same location "with officers detecting an overpowering odour of burnt cannabis" in the vehicle's interior.

"The driver admitted to smoking cannabis in the vehicle an hour ago prior to leaving his residence," Sgt. Murray McNeil said in a media release, adding that the man also performed badly on the sobriety test. 

That earned the driver not only a 24 hour suspension, but also a ticket for failing to display an "N" as required for a new driver. His vehicle was also impounded for 24 hours.

The hat trick came at 9:30 p.m. when officers stopped a vehicle for a sobriety check of the driver. 

"The officers noted an overpowering smell of perfume and burnt cannabis upon approach to the driver's window of the vehicle," McNeil said. "The driver was noted to be exhibiting signs of impairment."

A roadside breath test was administered to the driver who blew a zero reading, but performed badly on a subsequent test for drug impairment. A 24 hour driving suspension was issued and the vehicle impounded.