A Breathalyser for Drugs

A Breathalyser for Drugs

Mangalore Today News Network

By Dr. G Shreekumar Menon

Mangaluru, Feb 1, 2026: Narcotics breathalysers (or drug breath testers) are specialized, non-invasive, handheld devices designed to detect recent drug consumption by analysing compounds in exhaled breath. Unlike alcohol breathalysers that measure Breath Alcohol Content (BAC), these instruments identify substances such as THC (cannabis), cocaine, methadone, amphetamines, and opioids. Exhaled breath, therefore, constitutes a new possible matrix for drugs-of-abuse testing.

Narcotics breathalysers are devices that use sophisticated techniques like immunoassay-based analysis or spectrometry to detect specific drug metabolites in the breath. Standard breathalysers only measure alcohol (ethanol) and cannot detect narcotics; specialized, legally distinct, equipment is required for detecting narcotics.

 

Driving is a complex task which requires full concentration. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs can seriously affect a person’s ability to drive safely. Alcohol is a depressant drug, meaning it slows down the central nervous system including brain. As such, alcohol can impact ability to judge distances correctly, decrease reaction time, reduce ability to concentrate, reduce sensitivity to red lights, and higher BACs can give a feeling of euphoria leading to increased risk taking, reckless driving, and overestimation of driving abilities. Cannabis has stimulant, depressant, and hallucinogen effects. THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), is the main active ingredient in cannabis and responsible for the drug’s ‘high’. Cannabis can significantly affect motor coordination, slow down thinking and reflexes, and reduce concentration and coordination. Heroin is a depressant drug and slows down reaction time when driving making it hard to properly judge distance and speed. It also makes it difficult to concentrate. LSD, Acid, and Magic Mushrooms are known as “hallucinogens” and affect human body by altering sight and hearing. Hallucinogens can also slow down reaction time. Methamphetamine (Ice), MDMA/Ecstasy, and Cocaine are known as “stimulants” and increase activity in the central nervous system. Driving using stimulants can lead to a false sense of confidence, rash decision making, and risk taking. Stimulants can make it hard to sleep causing tiredness which also impacts concentration and reaction time when driving.

Narcotics breathalysers, also known as drug detection scanners, are increasingly being adopted by law enforcement agencies in India to combat driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) and other substance abuse issues. These devices detect the presence of illegal drugs in saliva or oral fluid.  In February 2023, the Goa police became the first in India to deploy hand-held narcotic analysers (specifically, the SoToxa device) in North Goa for random checks at party venues and on roadsides. The SoToxa Oral Fluid Mobile Test System is designed for rapid drug screening and detection in oral fluid. With test results in minutes, this handheld analyser is lightweight, compact, and easy to use—convenient for drug screening at the roadside in any type of vehicle.
 
Under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is an offence to drive under the influence of any intoxicating substance (alcohol or drugs). A breathalyser test alone might not be deemed conclusive proof in court without confirmatory medical tests (blood/urine analysis).  Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (as amended in 2019), prohibits driving under the influence of drugs to the extent of being incapable of exercising control. While alcohol breathalysers are common, the legal framework also allows for detecting "drugs" under Section 185. 

In Manoj Kumar K. vs. State of Kerala (2021) the Kerala High Court held that to attract an offence under Section 185, there must be a detected alcohol/drug level above the permissible limit via a, breath analyser or laboratory test. The essential condition for a prosecution under Section 185 of the MV Act is that whoever, while driving a motor vehicle, has, in his blood, alcohol exceeding 30 mg per 100 ml of blood detected in a test by a breath analyser shall be punishable with imprisonment and fine.  First-time offenders face imprisonment up to 6 months and/or a fine of ₹10,000. Repeat offences within 3 years lead to up to 2 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of ₹15,000. Significantly, the law does not prohibit driving after consuming liquor and all that is prohibited is that, the percentage of liquor should not exceed 30 mg. per 100 ml. of blood.

Unlike alcohol, where the law sets a clear limit of 30 mg per 100 ml of blood, the standard for drugs is based on impairment. 

The prosecution must prove that the driver was under the influence of a drug "to such an extent as to be incapable of exercising proper control over the vehicle". While roadside observations matter, the Supreme Court and various High Courts emphasize that a laboratory or chemical test is often the ultimate confirmation for drug-related charges.

While drug driving is less reported in Europe than drunk driving, it is frequently reported in Africa, North America, and Asia/Oceania. Driving under the influence of drugs (i.e., Drugged Driving [DD]) is a growing public health problem, in many countries. Although there is much research on alcohol-impaired driving, less is known about DD. Emerging adults (e.g., ages 18–25 years) are an important population to study regarding DD due to their high rates of drug use. India needs data needed to inform policy and interventions targeting DD in emerging adults, particularly to prevent consequences of cannabis-impaired driving given increasing usage. The dangers of addiction are well summed up in the following quote:

“Addiction, at its worst, is akin to having Stockholm Syndrome. You’re like a hostage who has developed an irrational affection for your captor. They can abuse you, torture you, even threaten to kill you, and you’ll remain inexplicably and disturbingly loyal.” - Anne Clendening, writer and yoga instructor.

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Dr. G. Shreekumar Menon, IRS (Rtd), Ph.D. (Narcotics)

Former Director General of National Academy of Customs Indirect Taxes and Narcotics & Multi-Disciplinary School Of Economic Intelligence India; Fellow, James Martin Centre For Non Proliferation Studies, USA; Fellow, Centre for International Trade & Security, University of Georgia, USA; Public Administration, Maxwell School of Public Administration, Syracuse University, U.S.A.; AOTS Scholar, Japan. He can be contacted at shreemenon48@gmail.com