PDEA: 2 bus drivers test positive for shabu use

PDEA agents receive urine samples from bus drivers and assistants (conductors) during a surprise inspection at the Busport Terminal at Araneta Center on Monday. INQUIRER.net photo / Gabriel Pabico Lalu

Two bus drivers were tested positive for shabu use after surprise drug tests were conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) at different Quezon City bus terminals.

PDEA Spokesperson Director Derrick Carreon said on Tuesday that the drivers who were confirmed using shabu from the urine samples they submitted were employees of the Bicol Isarog and Elavil Bus companies.

“As of this time we have already confirmed one urine sample from Area 4 (Elavil) and one from Area 2 (Bicol Isarog) to be positive for the presence of methamphetamine hydrochloride,” Carreon said in a message to reporters.

“Two here sa NCR [National Capital Region]. We are getting the updated nationwide count from our POs (Provincial Offices),” he added.

A total of 160 bus drivers and conductors were subjected to drug examination on Monday, as officials from PDEA, Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) launched Oplan Undaspot in preparation for the influx of travelers for the All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day.

There were 15 from the Victory Liner terminal, 98 from Bicol Isarog, 30 from the Araneta Busport and 17 from the Ordinary Bus Terminal inside Araneta Center.  Prior to the confirmatory tests, only one driver was found positive through the initial testing.

According to PDEA Deputy Director General Atty. Ruel Lasala, the surprise tests were conducted to discourage drivers from taking illegal drugs, especially shabu, to counter fatigue and sleepiness due to long-haul trips.

During the inspection, LTO Law Enforcement Director Francis Almoran said that drivers who will be found positive for using illegal drugs will be slapped with appropriate charges, which may eventually lead to the perpetual revocation of their driver’s license. /jpv

READ: Bus driver positive for drug use in surprise PDEA testing