Grab, Angkas driver arrested for smuggling liquor, drugs in Sampaloc

Authorities arrested a Grab driver for smuggling liquor and an Angkas driver for delivering illegal drugs in Sampaloc, Manila.

Police arrested two men, including a Grab driver, who attempted to deliver 50 bottles of liquor in the said city.

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Grab Philippines has confirmed that the arrested suspect who violated the liquor ban was their driver-partner. It said they would ban the driver on all of their platforms.

“Grab remains firm in its stance to protect and support our communities, and we enjoin everyone to observe and follow public health and safety policies,” the company said.

Last week, police also arrested two Grab drivers for smuggling bottles of alcohol and beer at a quarantine checkpoint at the corner of Juan Luna and Meisic Street, Binondo, Manila.

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Authorities identified the suspects as Michael Duhaylunsod, 41, at John Leonard Argate, 36.

Police recovered signages “Do Not Delay” and “Flexo Manufacturing Shuttle Service” in the suspects’ Toyota Innova. They also recovered 21 bottles of 1 liter of brandy and 23 bottles of 500ml beer.

The suspects are now detained at the Manila Police District Station 11 Jail. They are facing charges of violating Executive Order No. 18 (Liquor Ban), R.A. 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal As One Act”, and R.A. 11332 “Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.”

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Also read: 4 dead after drinking native palm wine ‘tuba’

Angkas driver arrested for working as drug courier

An Angkas driver who also works as an alleged illegal drug courier was arrested in Sampaloc, Manila, amid a lockdown enforced against the spread of COVID-19.

Police entered the home of Angkas driver Joshua Alfonso and drug supplier Michael Aquino.

According to police intelligence info, Alfonso is delivering drugs, not food.

The driver admitted that he just tried to smuggle the drug since he found it difficult to earn money due to the lockdown.

“Hindi ko naman ito palagi Shinagawa [I don’t always do it],” he said.

According to police, lawbreakers now resort to pretending to be delivery guys especially since they are allowed to work in the middle of lockdown.

“Modus nila ngayong may ECQ na magpanggap na pagkain o necessity ang ide-deliver, iyun pala droga,” said Police Lt. Col. John Guiagui, chief of Sampaloc police.

(It is now their modus operandi to pretend to deliver food, but they deliver drugs instead.)

The two suspects were charged with violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

In a statement, Angkas insisted that they would not overlook illegal activities under their platform.

“We would like to emphasize that Angkas has never condoned any kind of illegal activity of our bikers. We have placed the rider concerned under preventive suspension as we cooperate with the authorities on their investigation,” said George Royeca, chief transport advocate of Angkas.