Published: Wednesday October 13, 2010 MYT 1:28:00 PM
Updated: Wednesday October 13, 2010 MYT 2:30:19 PM
Two express bus drivers high on drugs nabbed
By DESIREE TRESA GASPER
JOHOR BARU: Two express bus drivers who were high on drugs were nabbed while driving buses filled with passengers here. Johor police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff said the drivers were detained during a state-wide operation conducted by the narcotics department here Wednesday.
"Our officers conducted random checks and urine tests on 273 express bus drivers state-wide and were shocked when they came across these two who were driving buses carrying 40 passengers while high on drugs. "The drivers, aged 42 and 43, were nabbed at the Skudai Toll Plaza and the Larkin Bus Terminal," he said, adding that the second driver was also found to be possessing drugs. DCP Mohd Mokhtar said both tested positive for syabu.
He said he planned to meet with bus operators in the state soon to discuss the problem. "We want to ensure that people who abuse drugs are never hired by these companies and we will continue to monitor all bus and taxi drivers to ensure that they are drug free," he said. He said it was common practice among drivers to consume drugs which they claimed would stop them from feeling sleepy, especially when they have to drive for long hours.
