The Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation has issued a new directive outlining the procedure police officers should follow when dealing with drivers suspected of being under the influence of drugs.
The order, which came into effect on September 01 under Section 151 of the Motor Traffic Act, specifies that police officers are empowered to refer drivers for examination if there is reasonable suspicion based on unusual skin reactions, unnatural behavior, speech, movement, balance, or appearance.
Accordingly, officers may direct the driver to undergo a saliva test using approved equipment. These tests must be conducted at a police station or another convenient location in a manner not visible to the public. If a driver refuses to provide a saliva sample, he or she must be referred to a Government Medical Officer or an authorized officer without delay.
If the saliva test suggests drug use, the driver will be further examined by a Government Medical Officer or an authorized officer at a government hospital, where blood, urine, saliva, or other bodily fluid samples may be taken for laboratory testing.
The Ministry states that, upon confirmation through a medical officer’s final report, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) or an authorized police officer will have the authority to take legal action against the driver.
