Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 28)— The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said Monday 33 drivers and conductors nationwide tested positive for illegal drug use.
In a statement, the anti-drug agency said the public transport drivers— which include van drivers, tricycle drivers, jeepney drivers, and bus drivers and conductors— yielded positive results in the surprise drug test called “UNDASPOT” conducted in major passenger terminals nationwide.
Out of the 4, 675 drivers who went through mandatory drug screening, seven tested positive for drug use each in Ilocos Region and Central Luzon; five each in Metro Manila and Davao Region; three each in Eastern Visayas and Caraga; and one each in Cagayan Valley, Soccsksargen, and the Bangsamoro Region.
UNDASPOT is still ongoing in the Bicol Region.
“These drivers were not allowed to travel pending the confiscation of their licenses while undergoing rehabilitation process which include health awareness, and psychological and spiritual activities such as counseling, moral recovery, values formation, personal and life skills provided by the local government before reclaiming their licenses,” PDEA said in its statement.
PDEA’s “Oplan Harabas” is a simultaneous surprise mandatory drug testing to all drivers in public terminals nationwide aimed to ensure the safety of passengers from drugged drivers. The “UNDASPOT” program will keep travel safe or the upcoming All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day holidays.
The agency’s latest data showed a total of 19,087 drivers and conductors were subjected to the surprise tests, of which 213 tested positive for drug use.
