52 drivers test positive for drug use in Zamboanga Peninsula region

INQUIRER FILES

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – Authorities held a random drug testing among public utility vehicle drivers on Monday throughout the Zamboanga Peninsula region and 52 tested positive for illegal drug use.

According to regional director Maharani Gadaoni-Tosoc of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office-9 (PDEA-9), a total of 1,569 drivers underwent the drug test throughout the region during the Oplan Harabas drive.

She said the surprise drug test was conducted across major terminals in Zamboanga City and in the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Norte.

Of the 52 drivers who tested positive for drug use, 28 are from Zamboanga City, 20 in Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur, and four in Zamboanga Sibugay. No one returned positive from among those tested in Zamboanga del Norte.

“The positive cases included van, jeepney, and tricycle drivers, all of whom, once confirmed, will be referred to their respective anti-drug abuse councils for proper intervention,” Tosoc said.

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“Oplan Harabas is a preventive measure to ensure the drivers were not under the influence of illegal drugs. The safety of the commuting public remains our top priority,” she added.