MANILA — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Monday warned drivers of transport network vehicle services (TNVS) to never allow themselves to be used as unwitting conduits for the transport of illegal drugs.
PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino issued the advisory following the arrest of Jovet Atillano, 32, an online illegal drugs seller, during a buy-bust operation conducted by agents of PDEA-Special Enforcement Service (PDEA-SES) in a condominium unit in Mandaluyong City on September 19.
“Investigation revealed that Atillano has hired the services of TNVS drivers in delivering illegal drugs concealed inside packages right at the doorsteps of his customers. Before they know it, the drivers have become unwitting couriers of illegal drugs. We are urging TNVS drivers and operators to exercise due diligence to ensure that they will not be used to transport any contrabands,” Aquino said in a statement.
“Drug syndicates have learned to utilize the mobile-based application of transport network companies to deliver their illicit goods. They will register using fictitious names and pre-activated SIM cards to avoid detection in case the delivery went amiss and intercepted by authorities. Unaware, the poor driver will likely suffer the dire consequences,” he added.
Local TNVS, such as Grab and Uber, offer doorstep express deliveries using cars and motorbikes that are covered by insurance and real-time tracking and notification alerts.
PDEA is seeking the assistance of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and TNVS to find ways to stop this new trend of drug trafficking, Aquino noted.
House probe
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives’ Dangerous Drugs Committee is considering the conduct of an investigation into the alleged unwitting involvement of transport network vehicle services’ (TNVS) drivers in the trafficking of illegal drugs.
In an interview with reporters on Monday, committee chair Robert Ace Barbers said he has received media and police reports of TNVS drivers, such as Grab and Uber, becoming susceptible to being used as couriers in this new scheme of drug trafficking.
“What we’ll do is to call a motu proprio investigation on the alleged involvement of Grab and Uber drivers in the trafficking of drugs,” Barbers said.
Rep. Barbers said his committee will look into the policy and system of the transport network companies in their parcel or document delivery, and see if there is a need to enforce strict guidelines on such express deliveries. (PNA)
