‘Undaspot’: 10 bus drivers test positive for drugs
Ten bus drivers and two conductors tested positive for illegal drugs use following a surprise drug test conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) ahead of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day travel surge.
PDEA data showed the 855 drivers and conductors were tested in various transportation terminals nationwide.
The nationwide drug testing, dubbed “Oplan UNDASPOT” is an initiative of the PDEA as well as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to ensure safety of passengers travelling to the provinces.
Lawyer Ruel Lasala, PDEA deputy director general for operations, said those who tested positive for illegal drug use will undergo a confirmatory drug test to validate the initial result.
The ten bus drivers who tested positive for illegal drugs were busted in terminals in the Ilocos and Bicol regions, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Au- tonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, and Metro Manila.
LTO Law Enforcement Services Director Francis Almora said that the bus drivers and conductors were placed under custody and their licenses confiscated, pending the result of the confirmatory tests.
PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino earlier said that some bus drivers and conductors on long haul trips may be using illegal drugs to counter fatigue.
He added that there is also a rising numbers of drivers and conductors already hooked on illegal drugs.
“The use of illegal drugs in transportation industry are very rampant even in ordinary hours, making the rising public prone to accidents,” he stated.
The PDEA chief added that these drivers should face the consequences of using illegal drugs as they compromise the safety of the passengers.
PDEA records showed that from January to September 2018, a total of 1,287 bus drivers, 24 taxi drivers, and 12 bus conductors were arrested for illegal drugs use.
Aside from the drug testing, PDEA also conducted K9 sweeping among transport hubs and distributed drug prevention information materials to travelers.