Man wearing opioid patch while driving given 24-hour driving suspension

Opioid patch impairment

Photo: Istock

A 52-year-old man was reported to be seen driving erratically on Highway 22 near Genelle leading to the loss of his driving privileges.

On Monday, March 18 just after 3 p.m., Trail RCMP and B.C. Highway Patrol officers issued a roadside stop after locating the driver in Trail, who they suspected to be impaired.

Police said that the man had told them that he was wearing a prescribed fentanyl patch. Officers located the driver and conducted a roadside stop.

“When you’re wearing a fentanyl patch it provides a very high level of fentanyl,” said Sgt. Mike Wicentowich of the Trail RCMP. “The patch was allegedly 200 milligrams which is a very high dose.”

Wicentowich said that after consulting a pharmacist the man was issued a 24-hour immediate roadside prohibition.

“Some may feel that medication can’t affect them but it can be a significant component to impairment when driving.”

The man’s vehicle was also impounded due to multiple deficiencies found by the officer.