The application of the narcotics test started yesterday, January 25, after the recent adoption of the relevant legislation by the House of Representatives.
The passage of the legislation gives the possibility to the members of the Police to subject the drivers, who move on the road network, to an examination to determine if they are driving under the influence of drugs.
According to Famagusta.News, the Head of Road Safety of the province of Famagusta, Sergeant George Dimitriou, with the legislation, the members of the Police, can ask any driver to submit to Narcotest.
The whole process, in its preliminary stage, takes about five minutes and requires a saliva sample from the driver. If the driver refuses or refuses to give a saliva sample, he is committing an offense and can be arrested.
In case, as Mr. Dimitriou mentioned, that the result of the preliminary examination is positive, then the driver gives an additional sample of saliva to be examined by the General Chemistry of the State.
Also, in such a case, but also in cases of refusal or avoidance of conceding a saliva sample, the driver is prohibited from continuing to drive and his vehicle is transported to the nearest Police Station. The responsibility for the transport of the vehicle lies with the owner or another authorized person.
If the result of the examination of the sample by the General Chemist is positive, then a criminal file is formed and the driver is charged in writing and referred to trial before a Court. In such a case, the costs of the analysis by the General Chemist, are borne by the driver.
Asked about the penalties provided by law for the offense of driving or attempted driving under the influence of drugs, but also for refusing or avoiding the provision of a saliva sample, Mr. Dimitriou stated that these amount to:
- Imprisonment not exceeding three years or
- Fine not exceeding € 3.500 or
- Withdrawal of driving license not more than three years or
- All or any or any of these penalties.
The Head of Road Safety of Famagusta stated that for the taking of saliva samples from drivers, the procedure provides for the observance of all hygiene rules, for the safety of both drivers and police officers who will carry out the inspections. In this context, he said, the devices of the preliminary examination will be destroyed after their use, regardless of the result, according to the process of destruction of biological waste.
The implementation of Narcotest, he noted, finally, gives the Police another tool in its fight to prevent and reduce deadly and serious traffic accidents.
Famagusta.News