(Eagle News) — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has directed transport network companies Uber and Grab to “deactivate” their drivers who are found to have delivered illegal drugs.
In a statement on Tuesday, the LTFRB said it will also recommend the blacklisting of said Transport Network Vehicle Service driver, to ensure effective monitoring.
The LTFRB made the directive after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency warned the TNCs about the use of some of their vehicles for drug trafficking.
PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino made the pronouncement following the Sept. 19 arrest of Jovet Atillano, who was found to have used a TNVS to deliver P1 million worth of ecstasy, P180,000 worth of shabu and pieces of Valium and regulated drug Mogadon to his customers.
Aquino said that these drug syndicates use fictitious names and pre-activated SIM cards when booking Grab or Uber vehicles to avoid detection.
“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.
