Cops provided with 130,000 alcohol breathalyser devices

A total of 130,000 breathalyser devices used to measure blood alcohol content have been distributed to all police stations across the country to intensify raids against drunken drivers during festive session, Police said.

Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said another stock of 50,000 breathalyser devices had been stored.

He said the equipment would be used in special operations already being conducted to nab drunk drivers. The special operation was commenced on December 20 and will continue till January 5, 2021.

DIG Rohana said more than 9,000 police officers have been deployed for traffic duties and strict action would be taken against motorists found drunk at the wheel.

He urged the motorist to take all preventive actions to avoid and prevent road accidents.

"Four people have been killed in road accidents on Monday and at least 20 people have been injured. It has been observed that riders and pillion riders are prone to become victims of road accidents,” he said.

The spokesman said that lawsuits had been filed against 1,845 people and 113 drunk drivers had been arrested as of Monday.

" If a person was arrested for the offence of drunk- driving, he would be produced before the court along with the vehicle. If he or she is found guilty of the charges of drunk- driving, the court could impose an imprisonment and a fine, in addition to that, the driving license will be suspended or cancelled," he said.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)