COLOMBO, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka will expand mobile laboratory drug tests for passenger bus drivers nationwide without prior notice following the detection of illicit drug use among drivers during initial inspections, a deputy minister said.

Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena said 10 out of 56 passenger bus drivers tested through the newly launched mobile laboratory service were found to have used narcotics.

The inspection program, introduced on Jan. 22, aims to identify bus drivers and conductors operating vehicles under the influence of drugs, he said.

The first round of random inspections was conducted in Colombo. Urine sample tests confirmed the use of drugs, including crystal methamphetamine, as well as heroin and cannabis. Drivers who tested positive have been referred for further legal action, he said.

Gunasena said the findings underscored the risks posed by drug-impaired drivers to passenger safety.

Authorities also observed attempts by some drivers to evade inspection points, using various communication methods to avoid routes where testing was being carried out, he added.

The deputy minister said the inspections will be conducted regularly and their frequency increased as part of efforts to improve road safety. ■