Minibus driver arrested in Hong Kong for alleged drug driving while carrying passengers

A 44-year-old minibus driver has been arrested in Hong Kong for allegedly driving under the influence of methamphetamine while transporting passengers, according to a police statement. The arrest occurred on Tuesday along minibus route 117B, which connects Yau Tong and Anderson Road. Acting on intelligence, officers intercepted the vehicle without incident and removed all seven passengers to safety.

Senior Inspector Pun Chun-ho of the Kowloon East task force subunit's enforcement and control division stated that drug driving poses a serious threat to passenger safety. The suspect tested positive for methamphetamine at the scene and was refused bail, with his case set to be heard at Kwun Tong Court on Wednesday.

This operation is part of a broader tactic in the Kowloon East area aimed at identifying and penalizing public vehicle drivers who operate while under the influence of illegal substances. In June of this year, similar efforts resulted in the arrest and conviction of three minibus and taxi drivers for suspected drug driving. Two of these individuals were sentenced to two months and four months in jail, respectively, with their driving licenses revoked for two and five years, respectively.

Under Hong Kong law, the maximum penalty for drug driving includes a HK$25,000 (US$3,200) fine, up to three years of imprisonment, and a driving disqualification lasting up to five years on a first conviction. Repeat offenders can face lifelong driving disqualification.