PDEA: 84 PUV drivers test positive for illegal drugs in random test during Holy Week exodus

A total of 84 drivers of public utility vehicles, including tricycle and motorcycle taxi riders, tested positive for illegal drugs use during the conduct of surprise and random drug testing on Wednesday morning, April 16, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said.

Retired police general Isagani Nerez, PDEA director general, said the conduct of the surprise drug test was held before the expected bulk of commuters hit the road on their way to the provinces and transportation hubs on April 16.

“In light of the heavy influx of Holy Week travelers eager to come home and be with their families, PDEA implemented these drug tests to ensure the safety of the riding public,” said Nerez.

Malacañang declared April 16 as half-day work to give government workers appropriate time to prepare for their travel.

Nerez said a total of 3,270 PUV drivers underwent the surprise drug test on April 16 in major passenger terminals all over the country and out of the 84 who tested positive, 13 of them are bus drivers, 19 are jeepney drivers, 37 are tricycle drivers, and 11 are UV drivers.

A mini-bus driver, a taxi driver, two motorcycle taxi riders and two bus conductors also tested positive.

Nerez said the drivers who tested positive for drug use were not allowed to drive, and upon confirmatory tests, have their licenses confiscated by LTO pending the issuance of clearance by PDEA.

“They must undergo the rehabilitation process and intervention programs provided by the local government before reclaiming their licenses,” said Nerez.

The random and surprise drug test is part of the PDEA’s Oplan Harabas, which is anchored on Republic Act 10586, or the “Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013”, or “An Act Penalizing Persons Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Dangerous Drugs, and Similar Substances, and for Other Purposes”.

PUV drivers allegedly use illegal drugs to boost their stamina for long hours of work, especially during peak season like Holy Week.

Nerez said the drug test was aimed at curbing road accidents caused by drivers under the influence of illegal drugs.

Nerez said PDEA also conducted surprise K9 sweeping operations or using Narcotics Detection Dogs (NDDs) to detect concealed illegal drugs carried by passengers inside the premises of public transport terminals.