Lopburi police conduct drug tests on public transport drivers

Lopburi’s Tourist Police, along with other relevant agencies, conducted drug tests on public transport drivers yesterday. The operation, led by Saksila Phueak-am and other senior officers, aimed to ensure road safety for tourists and commuters.

Police and health officials from Lopburi, along with transport and municipal officers, collaborated to test the physical fitness of public transport drivers in the area. This included urine tests to detect drug use and checks on driving licences.

The initiative aimed to prevent accidents and incidents on the roads, thereby enhancing safety for tourists and public transport users. The testing took place at Lopburi Bus Terminal, with 50 drivers screened. Results showed no drivers tested positive for drugs.

The police also used this opportunity to educate both passengers and drivers about the laws concerning drug use and the dangers associated with it. They promoted the emergency hotline 1155 for further assistance, reported KhaoSod.

Lopburi’s Tourist Police Chief, Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksila, alongside Police Major General Mom Luang Santhikorn Worawan, and Police Colonel Man Rotthong, spearheaded the operation. They were joined by Police Lieutenant Colonel Phatthanaphong Siricharoennam and Police Lieutenant Issara Ngampiam, who led teams from various local agencies to carry out the comprehensive checks.

In related news, at the heart of Phuket‘s east coast, a pivotal marine tourism hub, Ratsada Pier, was the scene of a surprise drug testing operation today. The results revealed a shocking find – one out of the 18 boat captains and crew members tested had traces of drugs in their system.

The harbour, also known as Rassada Harbour, is managed by Seatran Travel and is a bustling centre of marine activity with at least 29 scheduled departures daily. This does not include any additional chartered vessels that utilise the pier.

During a routine boat safety inspection, Prawet Suphachai, Director of the Regional Harbor Office 5, and Phuket Marine Office Chief Natchapong Pranit noted that over 5,000 individuals were commuting daily via boats to and from Ratsada.