Nine Public Transport Staff Arrested for Drug Use; Seven Test Positive in Separate Raids

Authorities in Kalutara South have arrested eight bus drivers and one conductor for allegedly using narcotics while on duty. The arrests were made on Tuesday, May 19th, during a joint operation by the Kalutara South Police and the National Transport Medical Institute, targeting substance abuse among public transport personnel. In a separate incident, seven public transport drivers and conductors tested positive for dangerous drugs during a screening program at the Kadawatha bus stand. This operation, which tested approximately 148 individuals, was conducted by the Ministry of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development. Both operations aimed to enhance passenger safety and road discipline within the public transport sector. The arrested individuals in Kalutara were aged between 35 and 57.