High on drugs? Kerala Police to trap users through saliva test

Kochi: Kerala police plan to expand the use of saliva testing kits to detect the use of synthetic drugs such as MDMA and methamphetamine.

The move comes amid a rise in drug-related cases and follows the pilot deployment of the ‘SoToxa’ analyser. The Excise Department is already using similar kits.

At present, the analysers are available only with police units in Kochi and Kozhikode, where a higher number of cases are being reported. The devices were provided with the support of various organisations involved in anti-drug campaigns.

Each kit costs around ₹2,000 and can be used only once. Due to the high cost, the police are trying to mobilise funds from multiple sources to increase the number of kits. While breathalysers help detect drunk driving, identifying drug use has been difficult. Earlier, suspected users had to undergo medical tests, and samples of blood, nails or hair had to be sent to laboratories, a process involving several procedures and delays. Blood tests also cannot be conducted solely on suspicion.

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With the new system, results can be obtained within two minutes. During vehicle checks, police can collect a saliva sample from a suspect and quickly determine whether drugs have been used.

In Kochi city alone, efforts have begun to procure 2,000 additional analysers. If successful, the project will be extended to other police districts.

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The police are continuing the ‘D-Hunt’ anti-drug operation, under which around 1,100 to 1,300 people are screened daily across the state. On average, about 50 cases are registered, and between 75 and 90 people are arrested each day based on police inspections alone. The Excise Department is also making large seizures of narcotics.