‘Undas’ security checks net ‘shabu’ users among bus drivers

BETTER SOBER THAN SORRY A provincial bus driver is tested for alcohol intake using a breathalyzer at the Cubao transport terminal on Wednesday. —JAM STA. ROSA

At least 10 bus drivers and two conductors have tested positive for “shabu” (crystal meth) when screened on the spot by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, which started conducting drug tests at transport terminals on Monday as part of security checks for All Saints Day.

As of Wednesday, PDEA said it had screened a total of 848 drivers and seven conductors at terminals nationwide in connection with its “Undaspot” campaign.

“The use of illegal drugs in the transportation industry are very rampant even in ordinary hours, making the riding public prone to accidents. These drivers should face the consequences of using illegal drugs so as not to compromise the safety of passengers” PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said in a statement.

Aquino noted an alarming number of transport sector workers using narcotics, especially uppers, to stay awake while on nighttime trips or behind the wheel.

From January to September this year, PDEA arrested 1,287 bus drivers, 24 taxi drivers, and 12 bus conductors for drug use.

PDEA Director Derrick Carreon said the drivers and conductors found positive for drug use were stripped of their licenses and were referred for rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde said this year’s Undas exodus had seen no major security issues, save for the case of a man caught carrying several M16 bullets in his bag before he could board a provincial bus at the Cubao terminal in Quezon City. —Jaymee T. Gamil