Modern gadgets to be introduced to spot drug addict drivers: Police

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

The Public Security Ministry has decided to purchase modern types of equipment that are being used globally to spot drivers who drive vehicles after consuming or puffing drugs, Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said. 

He told this at a special meeting recently held to discuss issues and operations concerning drivers who drive vehicles after having 
taken drugs.   

Minister Sarath Weerasekera graced the meeting and all stakeholders incluidng the Chairman of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, representatives of the National Transport Commission, Public Security Ministry and senior traffic police officers attended the meeting.   

Minister Sarath Weerasekera said that 48% of road accidents in the country were due to traffic violations and more than 50% of those accidents were due to traffic violations using cannabis, ice, heroin and other narcotics. About 4% of road accidents were reported because of the use of alcohol, he said.   

The Minister said that 27,000 people have been killed in road accidents in the past 10 years. He said it was a large number compared to the lives lost due to three decade of conflict. He said that 29,000 people have lost their lives in the thirty years war.   

He said that a drug testing mechanism should be set up expeditiously as many accidents occur due to the use of narcotics.   

Police Spokesman said that during the meeting, discussions were focused on conducting special operations across the country to apprehend drunk and drug-addict drivers.   
If a person is found guilty of drunk driving or driving after taking drugs, he could be fined Rs.25,000 by the court. In addition, the court could enforce imprisonment, the DIG said.   
Moreover, the court could cancel or suspend the driving licence of that particular person, DIG Rohana said.