Ambulance driver suspected of drug driving (updated)

An ambulance driver has reportedly admitted to drug use while on duty, while police confirmed a positive cocaine and cannabis reading from the subsequent narcotest.

The incident occurred at about 7pm on Monday night as police signaled for the 33-year-old to pull over, suspecting drug use, to which the driver admitted to having taken drugs “a short while ago”.

Local media reported that the 33-year-old admitted to drug use while on duty as an ambulance driver. An initial reading returned positive while police ordered a second test so that the results can be sent to the state lab for confirmation.

Spokesman for the state health services (Okypy) Pambos Charilaou said on Tuesday that the driver has been suspended pending further investigation.

“We want to show that we will not tolerate such incidents and will fully cooperate with the police to prevent such cases,” he said.

He clarified that the organisation is not legally allowed to carry out narcotests on its employees, adding that the incident may cause society to consider amendments to the law to permit such checks.