34 out of 70 drivers have tested positive for using narcotic drugs after patrol police officers tested them for drugs using new drug tests,- the Ministry of Internal Affairs told InterPressNews.

“The patrol police officers of the Internal Affairs Ministry tested 74 persons for drugs from June 1 through July 29. 34 of them were driving the vehicles under the influence of Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, Codeine, Morphine, Heroin and etc.

The drug testing is conducted under the new addition of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which came into force from April 1, 2019 and according to which, driving under the influence of narcotic, psychotropic drugs or new psychoactive substances is punishable by criminal law, either by a fine or imprisonment up to one year,” the Ministry said.

As the MIA explains, under these amendments, the patrol-inspectors are entitled to request drivers undergo drug tests if they see the existence of grounds envisaged by the law.

“Meantime, this mechanism envisages re-examination of drivers in clinics by qualified expert, including through a laboratory test, to ensure a high degree of reliability of the drug test procedure,” the Interior Ministry said.