Police seized 222 grams of 'magic' mushrooms earlier this month during a road block in Nanoose Bay, according to Cpl. Mike Elston, Central Vancouver Island Traffic Services NCO.
Elston said the Dec. 4 road block was part of a national impaired driving campaign and drivers can expect more during the holiday season.
"Drinking and driving is a priority throughout the year but especially through this season," said Elston. "People can expect to see roadblocks. We don't always do them on main roads; sometimes we do them on side streets. Part of what we know is chronic impaired drivers don't always take the usual routes, they take the back routes and don't anticipate we'll be there. But we are."
Elston said Mounties find as many drunk drivers tucked away on side streets as they do on main roads.
With New Year's parties on the horizon, he's reminding people to have a designated driver or call a safe ride home if they're planning on indulging this season.
"Our Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) has made a significant dent in the way people's decisions are made. There's a real fear out there that even a couple drinks could cause someone to lose their licence."