Hong Kong police to use faster, new testing method to detect drivers under influence of drugs
- The device can produce results in less than 10 minutes, compared to traditional ones that take up to half an hour
- Ng Hoi-wai of traffic branch says new method – to be launched on Thursday midnight – will improve law enforcement
Hong Kong police will start using a new roadside test from midnight on Thursday for catching those driving under the influence of drugs.
The rapid oral fluid test can detect the presence of six illicit drugs – heroin, ketamine, methamphetamine, cannabis, cocaine and Ecstasy – and will speed up and strengthen law enforcement in this area, according to Ng Hoi-wai, acting senior superintendent of the traffic branch.
He said the previous method of drug screening on roadsides used to take up to half an hour, while the new device produced results in eight to 10 minutes.
The traditional method was carried out by checking drivers’ pupils for dilation, among other observation techniques.
The new device – a 13cm-long stick-shaped instrument – costs HK$380 (US$49) each.