PDEA warns Grab, Uber of drug pushers using drivers as couriers

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino warned transport network vehicle services (TNVS) of their drivers possibly being used as drug couriers without their knowledge.

"We are urging TNVS drivers and operators to exercise due diligence to ensure that they will not be used to transport any contraband," Aquino said in a statement on Monday.

The advisory was issued following the arrest of Jovet Atillano and the seizure of P1 million worth of ecstasy, P180,000 worth of shabu and pieces of Valium and regulated drug Mogadon in Mandaluyong City on September 19.

Aquino said PDEA's investigation revealed that Atillano used the services of TNVS to deliver illegal drugs concealed inside packages to his customers without the knowledge of the drivers.

Aquino said drug syndicates and dealers have learned to "utilize the mobile-based application of transport network companies to deliver their illicit goods."

"They will register using fictitious names and pre-activated SIM cards to avoid detection in case the delivery goes amiss and is intercepted by authorities with the unwitting driver will likely to suffer the dire consequences," Aquino said.

He said the PDEA will seek the assistance of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and TNVS companies to stop in its tracks this new method of drug trafficking. —Rie Takumi/ALG/KVD, GMA News