In observance of the Holy Week, the Philippine News Agency’s online news service will be off on March 29, Good Friday, and March 30, Black Saturday. Normal operations will resume on March 31, Easter Sunday.

— The Editors

Tacurong trike driver tests positive for drug use

By Noel Punzalan and Edwin Fernandez

May 16, 2019, 7:06 pm

<p><strong>SURPRISE TEST.</strong> Agents from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 12 conducts a surprise drug test to all public transport drivers and conductors in Tacurong City terminal on Thursday (May 16, 2019). A tricycle driver tested positive from illegal drug use. <em>(Photo courtesy of PDEA-12)</em></p>

SURPRISE TEST. Agents from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 12 conducts a surprise drug test to all public transport drivers and conductors in Tacurong City terminal on Thursday (May 16, 2019). A tricycle driver tested positive from illegal drug use. (Photo courtesy of PDEA-12)

TACURONG CITY -- A tricycle driver here tested positive for illegal drug use and his driver’s license was confiscated by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), an anti-narcotics official said on Thursday.

Kath Abad, speaking for the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 12 (Soccsksargen), said the trike driver, whose identity was withheld by authorities, was one of the drivers operating in the city subjected to PDEA’s a surprise drug test.

The operation, dubbed “Oplan Harabas, Drug Test Muna Bago Pasada” was conducted at the Tacurong City integrated terminal on Thursday morning.

“The driver was referred to the Tacurong City Health Office for screening and assessment before he can reclaim his driver’s license,” Abad said.

More than 100 drivers and conductors of various public transport vehicles were subjected to a drug test as part of the PDEA campaign.

“We would like to ensure that drivers of public transportation are not using illegal drugs for the safety of all commuters and motorists,” Abad said in a statement. (PNA)

Comments