9 PUV drivers, conductors fail drug test at PITX

MANILA, Philippines — Nine public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and conductors tested positive for illegal drug use during random drug testing at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on Friday.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), in collaboration with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Southern Police District conducted the drug test to ensure the safety of commuters using public transportation.

PDEA National Capital Region head Christian Frivaldo said that of the 368 drivers and conductors who participated in the random drug tests, nine were found positive to be drug users based on the initial examination of their urine samples.

Six are PUV drivers while three are conductors. They were turned over to LTO representatives for proper disposition while their urine samples will be subjected to confirmatory tests. The licenses of drivers were also confiscated.

The PDEA also distributed drug preventive information, education and communication materials during the activity.

Meanwhile, two people were arrested during a drug bust in Taguig on Friday that yielded 10.55 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu worth P71,740.

Mark Anthony Barrera, 35, and Jessie Dacanay, 28, were caught in Barangay Ususan at around 10:40 p.m., according to SPD director Brig. Gen. Kirby John Kraft.

The two allegedly negotiated a deal with a policeman posing as a drug buyer for P500 worth of shabu.

Police also confiscated a cell phone from the suspects.

The suspects are facing charges of drug trafficking.