APPREHENDED TRUCK DRIVERS. A briefing memo by LTO National Capital Region Regional Director Clarence Guinto addressed to LTO Asst. Sec. Edgar Galvante. A total of eight out of 103 truck drivers tested positive for shabu during a joint law enforcement crackdown against truck overloading on Thursday, January 21. (Document courtesy of LTO)
MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) said eight truck drivers have been arrested for testing positive for shabu.
In a memo released Friday, LTO National Capital Region (LTO-NCR) Regional Director Clarence Guinto said the joint crackdown against erring truck drivers conducted a total of 103 drug tests.
“A total of eight truck drivers were tested positive for shabu. LTO Law Enforcers turned them over to the local PNP and were placed under arrest for violation of Section 5 of Republic Act (RA) 10586,” the memo read.
Under the said section, it is unlawful for any person to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs, and/or similar substances.
Furthermore, those arrested also violated Section 15 of RA 9165 which states that “A person apprehended or arrested, who is found to be positive for use of any dangerous drug, after a confirmatory test, shall be imposed a penalty of a minimum of six (6) months rehabilitation in a government center for the first offense.”
For those apprehended a second time for using dangerous drugs, they will face imprisonment ranging from six years and a day to 12 years with a fine ranging from PHP50,000 to PHP200,000.
“At present, the eight truck drivers are detained and undergoing inquest proceedings. The operation in Region 3 was closely supervised by LTO Region 3 Regional Director Ed De Guzman,” the memo read.
Aside from those arrested for drug use, 178 trucks were found to be overloaded, more than half of 325 trucks flagged.
Five other motorists were apprehended for violating traffic rules based on RA 4136 and two for violating RA 10054 also known as the "Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.
The anti-truck overloading mobile enforcement operation involved a total of 327 personnel—129 from the LTO, 92 from the Department of Public Works and Highways, 42 from the Philippine National Police, 18 from the North Luzon Expressway, 26 from the PNP Crime Laboratory, and 20 others. (PNA)
