The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Thursday conducted simultaneous surprise drug tests on truck, tricycle and pedicab drivers as well as dock workers in the country’s two busiest ports in Metro Manila.
Director General Aaron Aquino said Oplan: Harabas, in coordination with other government agencies, was part of the agency’s holistic approach to lower the demand for illegal drugs, and promote drug-free workplaces, harm-reduction and reformation.
“We are also doing this to keep track of long haul drivers under the influence of illegal drugs,” he noted.
PDEA, with personnel of Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Customs, Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Manila International Container Port, International Container Service Terminal Inc., Asian Terminal Inc., Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau and Manila Tricycle Regulatory Office, proceeded to two of the country’s biggest ports, the Manila International Container Port in North Harbor, Tondo, Manila, and Port of Manila in South Harbor, Port Area, Manila to conduct drug testing on container truck drivers and tricycle drivers stationed along MICP Access Road.
“PDEA finds it necessary to subject cargo truck drivers to drug screening because they operate heavy duty vehicles and are engaged in long distance travels. There is a prevailing practice of drug use among the driving population to stay awake for long trips,” Aquino said.
Any truck and tricycle driver who refuses to undergo the mandatory drug test would be reported to the LTO.
Those tested positive for drug use would have their driver’s licenses confiscated pending the issuance of clearance by the PDEA.
Oplan: Harabas shall be done on a monthly basis to keep unsafe drivers off our roads all the time, Aquino said.