Ten out of 56 passenger bus drivers tested through a newly launched mobile laboratory service were found to have used illicit drugs, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena said.
The deputy minister said the mobile laboratory inspection program was launched on Jan. 22, aiming at identifying passenger bus drivers and conductors operating vehicles under the influence of drugs.
The first round of inspections was conducted at the Bastian Mawatha Private Bus Station, where drivers were selected at random.
Initial urine sample tests confirmed the use of narcotics including crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice,” heroin and cannabis, the deputy minister said. The drivers who tested positive have been referred for further legal action.
Gunasena described the findings as a serious and complex situation, noting that 10 drivers were found to be under the influence of drugs through a random testing process.
He said authorities also observed that some drivers attempted to avoid inspection points by using various communication methods to bypass roads where testing was being carried out.
The deputy minister called on bus owners and the public to pay greater attention and support the program to ensure its success.
Although inspections initially began in the Western Province, the deputy minister said the mobile laboratory tests will be expanded island wide without prior notice. He added that the inspections will be conducted regularly and that steps will be taken to increase their frequency. (NewsWire)