675 drivers, 48 drug users in Damietta detected

CAIRO - 31 December 2018: Minister of Social Solidarity and Head of the Fund for Drug Control and Treatment of Addiction (FDCTA) Ghada Wali stressed on Saturday that drivers on the highways and internal roads of Damietta are being tested for drugs.

This came during the second campaign to ensure that drivers don’t use drugs with the coordination of Damietta Governor Amal Awad.

In a press statement, Wali said that the committee responsible for testing the drivers for drugs in Damietta revealed that 675 drivers were checked on the highways and inland roads in several cities of the governorate within five days from December 24-29.

Some 48 cases of narcotics were found, including 35 cases of cannabis, seven cases of tramadol, two of morphine and three multiple cases, Wali added.

Wali stated that those who test positive will be referred to the Public Prosecution to take the necessary legal action.

Assistant to the Minister of Social Solidarity and Director of FDCTA Amr Osman said that the employees of the Social Solidarity Directorate in Damietta Governorate were also tested and the results were negative.

Osman pointed out that preventive programs and activities will be implemented, from seminars and workshops, to trainings and youth initiatives, to raise the awareness on drugs abuse dangers, in addition to the fund's Hotline 16023.

The Fund for Drug Control and Treatment of Addiction (FDCTA) of the Social Solidarity Ministry had conducted a campaign to test 600 professional drivers in Damietta's highways during November, in coordination with the governor of Damietta and the Security and Health Directorate of the governorate.

The campaign revealed 59 cases of narcotics by 9.8 percent; they were referred to the prosecution to take the necessary legal measures.