The Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation has issued a new directive outlining procedures for testing drivers suspected of being under the influence of narcotics.
The directive, issued under Section 151 of the Motor Traffic Act, came into effect on September 1.
It authorizes police officers to refer drivers for testing if there are reasonable grounds for suspicion, such as unusual skin reactions, abnormal behavior, impaired speech, unsteady movements, loss of balance, or abnormal eye appearance.
Approved testing equipment will be provided to police officers, and tests must be conducted either at a police station or another suitable location, out of public view.
If a driver refuses to provide a sample, the directive requires that they be immediately presented to a government medical officer or an authorized official for examination.
Drivers confirmed to be under the influence of drugs after an initial test must undergo further examination by a government medical officer or qualified official at a government hospital.
They will be required to provide samples of blood, urine, saliva, or other bodily fluids for laboratory testing.
If laboratory results confirm drug use, the government medical officer’s final report will serve as the basis for legal action.
The authority to initiate legal proceedings lies with the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the police station or another police officer authorized by the OIC, as specified in the directive.
