Nunavut RCMP lay six impaired charges in long weekend sweep

RCMP in Nunavut stopped more than 400 drivers at checkpoints set up across the territory over the long weekend. (FILE PHOTO)

RCMP in Nunavut charged six Nunavummiut with impaired driving over the May long weekend as part of their national driving enforcement day, held May 16.

Police set up checkpoints in communities across the territory last weekend, stopping more than 400 vehicles, the RCMP said in a May 20 release.

Following that check stop program, police charged five people for operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, while another driver was charged with driving while impaired by drugs.

In addition to those charges, the RCMP said its members suspended the driving licenses of seven other Nunavummiut for a period of 24 hours.

“The RCMP wants to remind the public that keeping Nunavut’s roads safe is everyone’s responsibility and that enforcement is only one tool used to achieve this goal,” the RCMP said May 20.

“Everyone can play a role in saving lives by choosing not to drive while impaired and ensuring that people around you do the same.”