Delivery service groups tapped vs drug trade

CEBU, Philippines —  Drivers of food and other delivery services are given another challenge as, aside from the prompt delivery of goods to customers and helping in the information campaign against COVID-19, they have also been asked to help in the prevention of illegal drug trade here in Cebu.

Earlier, the Cebu City Emergency Operations Center met with the different delivery services operating in Cebu to review and assess their health protocols as well as the safety of both the customers and drivers.

Drivers were also asked to help in the information dissemination with the health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Another meeting was called last Friday with the major delivery services together with Cebu City Police Office Chief Josefino Ligan and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s Atty. Serge Andaya and representatives from the EOC, Mandaue City and Talisay City. Lapu-Lapu was also invited to attend the meeting, but no representative was able to attend due to conflict of schedules.

“I met with the different delivery services operating in Cebu to review and assess not just their health protocols, but also how they could ensure that what they are delivering are not contrabands,” said EOC’s Deputy Chief Implementer and City councilor Joel Garganera. He was also with fellow councilor Philip Zafra, the chairman on the committee on public order.

This, following reports that both the PDEA and the PNP had gathered on delivery services being utilized to transport contrabands, including illegal drugs.

Last August, a food delivery service driver was caught with a P6.8 million worth of shabu in Sambag I, Cebu City.

It was recommended during the meeting that food delivery services and their drivers should have police accreditation and drivers have to wear official uniforms that are easily recognizable.

Delivery services should also make an inventory of all items used by the driver including its delivery bags, uniform, helmet, among others, along with the delivered items and customer.

Proper documentation of the parcels before and after delivery is also being suggested.

To further help in drug prevention, training for drivers on how to inspect and assess contrabands had been recommended.

The training will be handled by PDEA and CCPO. — GAN (FREEMAN)