Drug Interdictions, what is that?

We went to Coeur d' Alene last Friday. And on
our way home we came across a most unusual
thing.

We were almost to the Bonner County line, and saw
a State Patrol car going southbound. And then saw
a State Patrol car on the northbound side with a car
stopped. Not really unusual as two cars in a
short area,during a holiday weekend that was coming
up, can be normal. Then we saw another State Patrol
car in the northbound lane. We thought, wow, they are
getting ready for the holiday.

We went around the bend of the road and saw one of
those orange canvas like warning signs that the road
crews use. But this said "Police Area". Which really
surprise me. And we asked each other.. what the heck?
Then another one about 50 feet down the
road that said... "Drug interdiction ahead" What is Drug
Interdiction? And then down the road more was another
sign with "Drug dog in use". What is going on?

Then another car stopped with one State Patrol and one
Bonner County Sherriff. Then there is another State Patrol
coming down the southbound and a Bonner County Sheriff
vehicle. We counted 7 State Patrol vehicles and 4 Bonner
County Sheriff in about a 10 mile area. Some of those
vehicles had more than one officer in them.

We were totally shocked. We didn't have a clue what they
use for stopping vehicles. Was it every 5th car or what system
did they use. And we talked about how peeved we would have
been if we had been one of the 5, if in fact, that is how they were
doing it. Or random vehicles. We are of the over 55 group, not
drug type. But I guess if you read the paper, age doesn't have
a lot to do with it.

After talking to my daughter, she went on internet and found this
site
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19940518&slug=1911176

It seems like this is common, even as far back as 1994, as you can see.
This seems like almost a Police State from a third world. I find it scary.
Yes, I know they have such things for drunk driving...but I thought they
stopped people who look like they were drunk driving.

And 11 vehicles, and maybe 15 officers? Isn't that kind of a over kill for a
hope to find people using drugs? Couple cars maybe.. 4 officers, maybe.
Who was watching the rest of the county? Or state district?