Drug abuse treatment fund reveals outcomes of screening 26K drivers, 300K public employees

CAIRO – 28 February 2021: Chairman of the Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction and Drug Abuse Amr Othman told press Sunday that the fund in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior screened 26,000 drivers for drug use across the country over the past three months.

During winter break, 8,000 drivers were screened. Of those, two percent were referred to the Public Prosecution for using drugs. The official clarified that the most consumed substances among drivers are hashish, and tramadol.

Othman added that there is coordination between the fund and the police in order to provide free treatment to defendants arrested in drug abuse hideouts. He pointed out that the majority of service recipients, including those who voluntarily seek the help of the fund, are aged between 18 and 30, and mainly use hashish.

The official elaborated that 50 percent of the hotline callers are individuals seeking treatment for themselves, while the rest of calls are made by family members who want assistance in treating their relatives.

Further, 300,000 employees at executive bodies were screened for drug use, which was detected among just two percent down from eight percent in 2019. Those identified get suspended from work for three months, and get investigated by the Administrative Prosecution. If repeated, the employee gets a tougher penalty.

The average number of public employees tested for drug use daily is 2,000. Othman says that samples are taken without prior notice in coordination with Forensic Medicine Authority and the General Authority for Psychological Health.