Random drug testing kits for taxi drivers: Rokosawa

Random illicit drug testing kits are being procured by the Land Transport Authority of Fiji (LTA) and taxi drivers will soon be tested.

Chief executive officer, Irimaia Rokosawa, said LTA would introduce random checks for taxi drivers similar to how breathalyser tests were undertaken.

“We have consulted the Fiji General Practitioners Association, that drug test kits are not available in all general practitioners across Fiji,” he said.

“That was one of the biggest challenges LTA faced to introduce this new mechanism to check on illicit drug usage among public service vehicle drivers.”

Drug consumption

The other factor that affected this progress of introducing drug test, was that if the offender sacrificed two weeks without any drug consumption, he could easily pass the test.

Another option to ensure tests are accurate is to have a ‘hair test’.

Mr Rokosawa said this required sufficient amount of hair sample from each offender.

“This hair test would again become a problem that the general public will raise because it will affect their personal space and freedom,” he said.

Mr Rokosawa said they would work with Government on proposed budget discussions to procure the drug test kits.

This test would increase efficiency with quick results of the offender consuming drugs.

Kits to be handed to police

Mr Rokosawa said the drug kits, once received, would be given to the Fiji Police Force.

This would be done because Police had the power to arrest people and not the authority which could only issue TINs.

Taxi permit holders employing drivers for their business could implement their own drug testing requirement.

This requirement would act as a minimum qualification to employ the driver free from drugs.

“They can undertake this test instantly and then be allowed to drive those permits,” he said.

Mr Rokosawa said this type of drug testing kits worked well in New Zealand and Australia and could work in Fiji as well.

Labasa Taxi Association secretary Sujit Sharma supported the idea and believed this would reduce drug intake among some drivers.

Mr Sharma said they would assist Police with information of taxi driver alleged involvement in drugs.

“We need police to step up and ensure those tips given are checked and arrested of drugs.”

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