QCPD: Driver in San Mateo Road crash tests positive for drug use
Headquarters of the Quezon City Police District in Camp Karingal. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The driver of the truck involved in the multi-vehicle crash that killed three people along Batasan-San Mateo Road last week tested positive for drug use, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said Wednesday.
The driver was arrested after the crash, which was caused by a brake failure on the 10-wheeler truck bound for Marikina City on May 28, according to a previous QCPD report.
The QCPD Forensic Unit conducted a drug test, while the Land Transportation Office (LTO) administered an alcohol breath analyzer (ABA) test on the suspect, identified only as “Eruel,” the police said in a statement.
“The ABA test conducted by the Land Transportation Office yielded a negative result,” the QCPD said.
“However, the drug test conducted by the QCPD Forensic Unit returned a positive result for methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as ‘shabu,’” it added.
The QCPD also reported that no illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia were found during the inspection of the driver’s truck.
Given the test results, Eruel will face a complaint before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office for violating Republic Act 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act, the QCPD said.
READ: 3 dead in multi-vehicle crash along San Mateo Road in Quezon City
This will be on top of the complaint already filed against him for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides, multiple physical injuries, and multiple damage to property.
READ: LTO suspends license of truck driver in crash that killed 3
The LTO temporarily suspended the truck driver’s license pending investigation for an administrative case for reckless driving and improper person to operate a motor vehicle./mcm
