Five Phuket boat drivers have tested positive for illegal drugs in a random testing conducted at a pier in the north of the island. ‘Random’, after two other similar inspections conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
Following the speedboat crash that killed a Russian child last week, it was confirmed the boat driver, who was seriously injured, had tested positive for methamphetamine. Since then, officials have been busy doing the rounds of Phuket piers and testing boat captains and crew for narcotics.
Following checks at Ratsada and Chalong piers earlier this week, the authorities conducted drug testing at Ao Por pier in the north-east corner of the island, in Pak Klok. Out of 65 boat drivers tested, 5 were found to have illegal drugs in their system.
The Phuket Express reports that the drivers have been taken for treatment and suspended from duty, but it’s not known if they will have their licences revoked or face any fines or other penalties. Officials have also not named the drivers, nor have they confirmed what substances were found in their system.
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
