PDEA: Grab, Uber drivers used as drug couriers

MANILA, Philippines — Drivers of ride-sharing companies Grab and Uber have become couriers of illegal drugs without their knowledge, the Phillipine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said yesterday.

PDEA chief Aaron Aquino said tech-savvy drug rings have learned to use the services of transport network vehicles (TNVs) to transport drugs to their clients.

Grab and Uber offer doorstep express deliveries using cars and motorbikes, which are covered by insurance and real-time tracking and notification alerts, according to the PDEA.

The agency issued the statement following the arrest of suspected drug dealer Jovet Atillano, 32, during an anti-narcotics operation in Mandaluyong City last week.

Atillano allegedly hired drivers of TNVs in delivering illegal drugs concealed in packages right at the doorsteps of his customers, whom he reached through social media sites.

“Drug dealers register using fictitious names and pre-activated SIM cards to avoid detection in case the delivery goes amiss and is intercepted by authorities. Unaware, the poor driver will suffer the consequences,” Aquino said.

He advised Grab and Uber drivers to be vigilant, lest they become unwitting drug couriers. 

“We are urging TNV drivers and operators to exercise due diligence to ensure that they will not be used to transport illegal drugs and other contraband,” Aquino said.

The PDEA chief said drug traffickers have resorted to utilizing Grab and Uber drivers to evade arrest by police.

Aquino sought the help of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)  in finding ways to stop this new trend in the illegal drug trade.

House probe

The House of Representatives will conduct an investigation into reports that drivers of Grab and Uber are being used to transport drugs.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers, who chairs the House committee on dangerous drugs, said TNVs under the supervision of the LTFRB should have a clear policy against illegal drugs. 

‘Avengers’ team eyed vs drugs

The PDEA will form an “Avengers” team to help the Duterte administration in the campaign against drugs, Aquino said.

He said the team, which he likened to the Marvel superheroes group, would be completed in a few months.

Aside from Aquino, the other members of the team are Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, former PDEA head and now Bureau of Customs (BOC) chief Isidro Lapeña and the yet-to be named director of the Bureau of Corrections.

Aquino admitted lapses in addressing the smuggling of shabu into the country. 

“The team will focus on cutting all sources of drugs in the country,” he said in an interview.

He said around 70 percent of illegal drugs are imported through different air and sea ports in the country.

Aquino expressed dismay over the P6.4-billion shabu shipment from China that passed through the BOC.

Asked which Avengers superhero he wanted to be, Aquino said he would be Ironman. – With Delon Porcalla