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QUEZON CITY, Oct. 28 (PIA--The Philippine Drug Enforcement Administration (PDEA) on Monday conducted simultaneous surprise mandatory drug test to bus drivers at bus terminals in Pasay City and Quezon City to ensure the safety of passengers travelling to their respective provinces in observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino said the agency implemented Oplan ‘Undaspot’ in coordination with Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) was also being done to prevent illegal drug traffickers to take advantage of the influx of people and busy operations in terminals to transport illegal drugs.
The composite team proceeded to JAC Liner Bus Terminal, Philtranco, both located in Pasay City; Partas Bus Terminal, Five Star Bus Terminal, both located in Cubao, Quezon City, to conduct surprise mandatory drug test and K9 sweeping.
Aquino said that long trips, particularly by provincial drivers, may be detrimental to the safety of the passengers due to fatigue. “Thus, the possibility that the bus drivers use illegal drugs to counter fatigue and keep them alert cannot be discounted,” Aquino pointed out.
“Any driver who refuses to undergo the mandatory drug test and the drug test result will be immediately endorsed to LTO for proper action,” Aquino said.
PDEA Regional Offices were also directed to conduct the same within their respective areas of responsibilities in coordination with concerned agencies.
Based on PDEA’s records from the time Oplan ‘Undaspot’ (October 29-31, 2018), Oplan Huli Week (April 15-16, 2019), and Oplan Harabas (March 29, 2019 and May 16, 2019) were conducted, a total of 19,087 drivers, conductors, helpers and employees of public transport services and terminal were subjected to drug test, 213 or 1.11% of whom yielded positive result for use of shabu and marijuana.
During the operations, drug prevention information, education and communication (IEC) materials were also distributed. (PIA-NCR/PDEA)
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