Kamloops RCMP say a man who was arrested for “fighting with vehicles” last Sunday was released with his drugs once he sobered up in what appears to be an early example of B.C.’s new decriminalization pilot program in action.

Mounties say they were called around 8:15 a.m. on Feb. 12, to reports of a man who was yelling and kicking vehicles that were parked on Battle Street in downtown Kamloops.

“Police located a man who appeared to be under the influence of drugs and arrested him for mischief,” RCMP spokesperson, Cpl. Crystal Evelyn, said in a news release. “He was lodged in cells to sober up safely and prevent continuation of the offence.”

“A small amount of suspected meth located on him was returned and he was provided with a Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions resource card upon his release.”

Evelyn says no charges are being considered at this time.

As of Jan. 31, any British Columbian over the age of 18 who possesses up to 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, or MDMA (ecstasy) for personal use will no longer be arrested, charged or have their drugs seized.

Instead, police will be handing out so-called resource cards with information on voluntary health and social supports, as well as local treatment and recovery options.

Under the three year pilot, which runs until Jan. 31, 2026, drug possession in any amount will continue to be a criminal offence on elementary and secondary school grounds, at licensed child-care facilities, at airports, and on Canadian Coast Guard vessels and helicopters.

In B.C., more than 11,000 people have died due to toxic drugs since the province declared a public health emergency in April 2016.