35 bus drivers, 17 conductors test positive for shabu use — PDEA

MANILA, Philippines — Fifty-three transport workers tested positive for “shabu” use after drug tests were conducted Monday as part of “Oplan: Huli Week,” the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said Monday.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said that among those who tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” were 35 bus drivers, 17 bus conductors, and one dispatcher.

“Oplan: Huli Week,” which started Monday, targets transport workers to ensure the safety of commuters who will travel this Holy Week.

“We are doing this to curb incidents of vehicular accidents caused by drugged drivers and make the roads safer, especially this Lenten Season’s travel rush,” Aquino said.

The PDEA chief added that mandatory drug testing was also conducted due to the “increasing number of road traffic accidents caused by drivers who are under the influence of illegal drugs.”

A total of 7,729 transport workers across 89 major transportation terminals have undergone mandatory drug testing.

Tested were bus drivers, conductors, inspectors, dispatchers, canvassers, and van drivers, among others.

Most transport workers who tested positive are in Metro Manila (nine bus drivers and four bus conductors), Region 11 (four bus drivers and four bus conductors), and Calabarzon (five bus drivers and one bus conductor).

“Any driver who tested positive for drug use, their driver’s license will be withheld pending the issuance of clearance of the PDEA. They must undergo the rehabilitation process before reclaiming their licenses,” Aquino said.

In 2018, around 1,386 transport workers were arrested for possession of illegal drugs in the first semester while 1,902 were arrested in the second semester. /ee