A man who police say tried to evade a checkpoint in Holyrood Tuesday night by veering off onto a side road was quickly stopped and found to have contraband tobacco and open liquor in his car. The 50-year-old also had a blood alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit.

RCMP seized his vehicle and suspended his license.

He will appear in court at a later date.

Police say they will be stepping up patrols and checkpoints as we head into the final few weeks before Christmas.