Yorkton area conservation officers set up a roadside inspection station targeting invasive species during the Saskatchewan Day long weekend.

During the operation, which included RCMP and Saskatchewan Highway Patrol, 601 vehicles came through the check stop on Highway 10 east of Yorkton. Officers inspected 22 watercraft for aquatic invasive species and decontaminated six boats that were deemed high risk.

The operation also uncovered a variety of violations, including transporting watercraft with drain plug in place; transporting fish that can’t be identified; driving without a valid licence; child restraint and seatbelt violations; driving while impaired by cannabis; possessing cannabis in a vehicle; possessing illicit cigarettes; and improperly securing cargo.

Overall, there were 12 charges, 19 warnings and seven car seat inspections. Five impaired drivers each received a 72-hour driver’s licence suspension and had their vehicles impounded. Officers also seized seven walleye and 11 cartons of illicit cigarettes.