A lorry assistant who had only started his first day of work was among four individuals detained during an integrated drug operation involving commercial vehicles at Jalan Kuala Ketil on Thursday, after preliminary screening found them positive for methamphetamine.
The 33-year-old man reportedly claimed he had just begun working with an ice supply company after leaving his previous employer, which was also involved in the same line of business.
He was among those arrested during the Ops Bersepadu Dadah terhadap Kenderaan Perdagangan, conducted jointly by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) of the Royal Malaysia Police, and PLUS Malaysia Berhad.
Kedah JPJ Director Stien Van Lutam said three others were also detained after testing positive for methamphetamine during initial urine screening.
He said the suspects included another 33-year-old ice lorry assistant, as well as two factory van drivers aged 32 and 40.
According to him, all of them claimed they had taken drugs to stay energised and continue working.
The suspects were detained under Section 31 of the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 for further action.
Another lorry assistant was also handed over to police after being found in possession of drugs and was detained under Section 12(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Authorities said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to ensure commercial vehicle drivers remain free from drug abuse, in order to enhance road safety for all users.
JPJ said commercial drivers carry significant responsibility as they operate heavy vehicles or transport passengers, where impairment can pose serious risks of road accidents.
The operation aims to monitor and take action against drug-using commercial drivers while ensuring compliance with the Road Transport Act 1987 and the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Enforcement actions include urine screening by AADK, document and licence checks, and detention of offenders found violating the law.
If a driver tests positive, action may include suspension of vocational licences such as the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and Goods Driving Licence (GDL) pending investigation outcomes.
Authorities said 550 vehicles were inspected during the operation, with 83 issued compounds or taken for action, while 45 individuals underwent drug screening.
Of those, six were confirmed positive for drugs, including four detained on Thursday and two others arrested during separate operations on Wednesday at Hutan Kampung Toll Plaza in Alor Setar and Gurun R&R.
The two individuals were also lorry drivers who tested positive for methamphetamine.
