Hong Kong police arrest minibus driver for suspected drug-driving, seven passengers safely evacuated
Hong Kong police arrested a 44-year-old minibus driver on suspicion of driving after taking methamphetamine. Seven passengers were safely evacuated. The driver was denied bail and will appear in court on 11 November. Police warn against drug-driving by public transport drivers.
Hong Kong police have arrested a 44-year-old male minibus driver on suspicion of driving after taking drugs, in a targeted operation against drug-driving by public service vehicle drivers.
Senior Inspector Poon Chun-ho of the Kowloon East Regional Traffic Division Executive and Control Group said that in June this year, police arrested three minibus and taxi drivers on suspicion of drug-driving. That led to a targeted deployment on 10 November, when officers identified a minibus driver operating a route between Yau Tong and Anderson. Police safely stopped the minibus and evacuated seven passengers from the vehicle. A rapid oral fluid test indicated the driver had taken methamphetamine before driving. He was arrested immediately.
The driver has been denied bail and his case will be heard at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Court on 11 November.
Police said they treat drug-driving by public service vehicle drivers very seriously. In the June operation, three drivers were arrested, of whom two have been convicted and sentenced to two months' and four months' imprisonment, with driving disqualifications of two years and five years respectively. The third driver is on bail awaiting trial.
Police emphasised that such behaviour is not a simple violation but poses a serious threat to the lives of passengers and other road users. They said a driver who knowingly takes drugs that impair judgment and reaction, yet drives a public transport vehicle, is putting all passengers in extreme danger, and the consequences of an accident would be catastrophic. Police will continue intelligence-led enforcement against such serious traffic offences.