4 truck drivers test positive for drugs

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Four drivers of cargo trucks bound for the Visayas were arrested after they tested positive for illegal drugs during random testing in Sorsogon on Saturday.

The random drug test at a checkpoint along Maharlika Highway outside the Port of Matnog was conducted by personnel of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Grace Rojas, chief of LTO-Sorsogon, said they confiscated the licenses of the drivers and turned them over to the LTO office in Irosin.

Proper charges will be filed against the drivers, whose identities were withheld until after results of confirmatory tests are released.

Vehicle inspection and random drug tests are being implemented outside the Matnog Port to ensure that drivers are not under the influence of illegal drugs and they don’t transport illegal items.

“The government is doing this random drug testing and inspection to ensure the safety of everybody,” Rojas said.

Reports said that some drivers use illegal drugs to prevent themselves from falling asleep during long-distance travel.

Authorities said that on several occassions in the past, firearms and other prohibited items were found in vehicles bound for the Visayas and Mindanao.