17 drivers fail Cebu random drug tests

CEBU CITY—Seventeen drivers of public utility vehicles were found positive of drug use in surprise roadside drug tests conducted here by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Tuesday.

Arnel Tancinco, regional LTO director, said 16 were found positive of using shabu while another was tested positive of marijuana use.

Tancinco said the LTO confiscated the drivers’ licenses pending further tests.

If additional tests yielded similar results, Tancinco said the licenses of these drivers would be suspended for a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of six months.

The drivers would be required to show proof that they had undergone a rehabilitation program from a drug rehabilitation center accredited by the Department of Health.

Tancinco said the roadside drug test was part of the LTO’s road safety program in time for the All Souls’ and All Saints’ Day celebration.

LTO personnel also conducted roadside inspection of buses and jeepneys to check if the vehicles are road worthy.

The roadside drug test and inspection started on Tuesday and will continue until Nov. 4.