Srinagar, Apr 29: On the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the usual breathalyser check is no longer the only test drivers face.
Police have begun screening drivers for drugs, widening roadside enforcement that, until now, was largely confined to alcohol checks.
The first drive was carried out on Wednesday in the Mir Bazar stretch, where close to 100 drivers were stopped and tested using rapid Urine Drug Screening (UDS) kits.
Superintendent of Police (SP), National Highway, Mumtaz Bhati said the exercise aims to catch drivers under the influence of substances beyond alcohol.
“Earlier, it was mostly alcohol testing. Now we are checking for narcotic and psychotropic substances as well,” Bhati said.
Drivers are being randomly flagged down and tested for cannabis, heroin, brown sugar, and medicinal opioids, apart from alcohol.
“The idea is simple – anyone driving under the influence is a danger on the road. It puts lives at risk and can lead to accidents,” he said.
The checks are part of the 100-day anti-drug campaign, “Nasha Mukt Abhiyan,” launched by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Bhati said those found using drugs will face action under the law, including license cancellation.
“Licenses of drivers found consuming drugs or driving under the influence of narcotic substances will be recommended for cancellation,” he said, adding that similar drives will be carried out at multiple points along the highway in the coming days.
For drivers on the highway, the message is direct – it is no longer just about passing a breath test.
