The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) doesn’t expect the world to change overnight when marijuana is legalized on Oct. 17.
Speaking on CKNW’s Lynda Steele Show, police Chief Adam Palmer says the VPD won’t be using the federally-approved Drager DrugTest 5000 as a screening device.
“It’s not something that we’re going to be deploying here in Vancouver,” Palmer said.
“There may be other agencies in British Columbia that will deploy it, and other places in Canada, but our experts have looked at it, and it doesn’t meet our requirements so we’re going to pass on this one.”
Get breaking National news
The VPD leader added that the device is quite bulky to carry and doesn’t always work properly in cold weather.
Palmer says he’s also concerned about the amount of time it would take to get a swab from someone who may be under the influence of drugs.
While the police chief says Vancouver is going to pass on the Drager device, the department will look at other options.
- B.C. colleges feeling the pinch after feds slash international student visas
- Police raid Vancouver home of pro-Palestinian activist facing hate crime probe
- B.C. paramedics raise concern about new ambulance policy, especially in rural areas
- Sexually assaulted VPD officer targeted by colleague in derogatory group chats
-
![]()
Immigration minister takes on tough topics in appearance with B.C. business leaders -
![]()
2 port worker stoppages, looming Canada Post strike have country in turmoil not seen in decades -
![]()
“Ready for it?”: Find the perfect outfit for Taylor Swift’s iconic Eras Tour -
![]()
Longueuil train derailment sparks confinement order on Montreal’s south shore
Comments