Bus Driver Detained for Drug Possession and Deception in Sri Racha
SRIRACHA, CHON BURI – A 57-year-old public bus driver operating on the Sri Racha–Bangkok route was apprehended yesterday afternoon, facing charges of drug possession and attempting to circumvent a mandatory drug screening with a synthetic substitute.
The incident unfolded around 1:30 PM during a coordinated drug testing operation involving the Sri Racha District Administration, the Provincial Land Transport Office, and public health officials. This initiative is part of a broader Ministry of Interior campaign aimed at curbing drug use among public transport personnel.
Suspicious Behavior Leads to Discovery
During the testing of nearly 20 drivers, Srisit Horai Khuntod drew the attention of officials due to his visibly anxious and evasive demeanor. When requested to provide a urine sample, he initially claimed an inability to urinate. Despite efforts to encourage him by offering water and allowing ample waiting time, his suspicious conduct persisted.
A subsequent search of his person revealed a small bottle, resembling an eye-drop container, concealed in his waistband. The bottle contained a yellow liquid. As officers moved to secure the item, Srisit attempted to discard it into a nearby bin and then made a desperate move to consume its contents. However, law enforcement officers successfully recovered the bottle before he could ingest the liquid.
Srisit admitted that the liquid was a concoction of dark soda and water, intended to pass as his own urine for the drug test. He further confessed to having used methamphetamine three days prior. A subsequent urine analysis confirmed the presence of illicit substances.
Further Evidence Found on Bus
Acting on a tip from a tuk-tuk driver who reported an idling vehicle, authorities located a bus that Srisit identified as being under repair. The company manager confirmed ownership of the bus.
Upon searching the bus, officers discovered drug paraphernalia, including a pipe and a lighter, near the driver’s seat. When confronted with these findings, Srisit acknowledged ownership and directed officers to a black cloth bag. Inside the bag, approximately one gram of methamphetamine and additional related items were found.
Legal Ramifications and Employment Consequences
Srisit has been charged with possession and consumption of Category 1 narcotics and has been handed over to the police for further legal proceedings. The Land Transport Office is expected to revoke his public driving license, and his employer has already terminated his contract.
This operation is part of an ongoing effort by Chon Buri Governor Naris Niramaiwong and Sri Racha district chief Phattharachanan Phongphat to enhance safety on public transportation routes.
In a separate, unrelated incident, a bus driver in Saraburi tested positive for methamphetamine following a bus crash that resulted in fatalities and numerous injuries.
