Minibus driver arrested in Hong Kong for alleged drug driving while carrying passengers

A minibus driver has been arrested in Hong Kong on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs while carrying passengers, after he tested positive for methamphetamine during a police interception.

Acting on intelligence, officers intercepted the minibus without incident on Tuesday and removed the seven passengers on board to safety, according to Senior inspector Pun Chun-ho of the Kowloon East task force subunit’s enforcement and control division.

“Drug driving isn’t simply a rule violation, but a serious threat to the safety of passengers,” Pun warned.

The arrest took place on Tuesday along minibus route 117B, which runs between Yau Tong and Anderson Road.

Pun said officers conducted a rapid test on site and the 44-year-old suspect tested positive for methamphetamine.

The driver was refused bail and will be brought to Kwun Tong Court on Wednesday.

The operation was a part of a tactical operation in the Kowloon East area targeting public vehicle drivers driving under the influence of illegal substances.

Police conducted a similar operation in June this year, arresting three minibus and taxi drivers on suspicion of drug driving.

Two of them were sentenced to two months and four months in jail, respectively, with their driving licences revoked for two years and five years.

“The previous operation showed that drug driving could be a potential risk, therefore we launched today’s operation to target public transport vehicle drivers,” Pun said.

Under Hong Kong law, the maximum punishment for drug driving is a HK$25,000 (US$3,200) fine and three years’ imprisonment, with driving disqualification for up to five years on first conviction.

A repeat offender can be disqualified from driving for life.