Police issue 51 drug-impaired driving suspensions after Shambhala festival

B.C. Highway Patrol says it removed dozens of drug-impaired drivers from roads after the Shambhala Music Festival in southeastern British Columbia.

Two roadblocks aimed at people leaving the four-day event on July 27 resulted in 51 driving suspensions for drug impairment and 57 vehicle tows for impairment or mechanical safety issues, police said. The festival near Salmo drew an estimated 50,000 people.

Police also issued more than 300 speeding tickets, 11 tickets for driving without insurance, and additional tickets for seatbelt and distracted-driving violations. Sgt. Michael McLaughlin said people had been urged to allow drugs to clear their systems before driving.

The annual festival drew attention separately after a 28-year-old attendee was reported missing. She was later found safe and was receiving medical care, her family said in a July 31 statement.