CEBU, Philippines - Five of 51 drivers of public utility jeepneys were found positive for illegal drugs during the roadside drug testing conducted by the Land Transportation Office-7 yesterday.
“Five out of 51 drivers were found using shabu,” LTO-7 regional director Raul Aguilos said.
Aguilos said yesterday’s roadside drug testing was part of their “Oplan Ligtas Kwaresma” campaign with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7 for safe travel in the coming Holy Week.
Random roadside drug tests are conducted in order to get rid of drivers, who are using illegal drugs, off the streets and to ensure the safety of the riding public.
Aguilos explained the importance of roadside drug testing to public utility vehicle drivers in order to protect the passengers from drivers using prohibited drugs.
He said that the driver’s licenses of those found positive for illegal drugs will be revoked. These licenses of these drivers will not be returned to them if they will not undergo drug rehabilitation in a center accredited by the Department of Health and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Aside from rehabilitation, violators have to pay P10,000 fine.
Section 36, Article 2 of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, mandates that all drivers applying for license or renewal of license should undergo drug tests.
However, since a driver’s license is valid for three years, random drug tests are made in-between. (FREEMAN)