The owner of a local drug and alcohol testing company has been charged with fraud.
Colleen Faye Robinson, 54, faces charges of fraud over $5,000, forgery, and using a forged document.
Her company, Precision Health Ltd., was contracted to test and certify transport truck drivers operating in the US.
In an investigation that began in October 2017, the police Financial Crimes Unit learned that the company didn’t properly test driver samples according to procedures, and also falsified test results. Police wouldn’t say how they were falsified.
They continued to charge clients the full rate for their services and the clients were unaware their samples weren’t being properly tested, said police.
The fraudulent activities continued until Sept. 6 of this year, when police raided the company’s offices.
Cst. Jay Murray of the Winnipeg Police Service said Precision Health fell into “financial arrears” with several labs which they send the tests to and the samples weren’t properly tested as a result.
“Huge concern”
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Manitoba Trucking Association executive director Terry Shaw says at least one-third of their members drive south of the border.
He says a “significant” number of drivers and companies are affected, but couldn’t provide a number. He notes taking the drug tests involves time and money.
“Not only are those dollars wasted, not only is time wasted, but you may lose the ability to drive in the United States,” Shaw said. “It’s a huge concern.”
Police say there is no evidence of positive samples being altered to show negative results and Shaw doesn’t see this as a worry.
“We’re not overly concerned that there’s a bunch of people who should have got caught and didn’t,” Shaw said. “Our industry has very low incidents of testing positive for drugs and alcohol.”
Trucker Dave Toutant said the alleged falsified tests are troubling to hear about.
“It’s just not right. It’s abusive,” Toutant said.
“I just hope (the drivers) make the right decision by taking action about what’s been happening to them.”
The Manitoba Trucking Association and Winnipeg police say the investigation continues.
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