A Grab driver accused of illegal drugs use would be forever banned from service if found guilty.
This was the declaration of Grab Philippines on Monday, as it stressed its policy of zero tolerance on any 鈥渃riminal activity鈥� in the company, including its partners.
鈥淕rab does not tolerate any criminal activity by any of our partners. We will fully cooperate with any investigation through our security and safety team,鈥� Leo Gonzales, Public Affairs Head of Grab, said in a statement on Monday.
鈥淕rab will not take things like this lightly. The safety of our passengers and drivers is of uttermost importance,鈥� he added.
The statement of Gonzales came after reports of a Grab driver鈥檚 arrest during a police buy-bust operation in Cubao, Quezon City early Monday.
According to reports, the driver swallowed sachets of illegal drug to hide it from authorities during the operation. Eventually, police recovered nine sachets of suspected shabu from the suspect, reports added.
Gonzales said the driver鈥檚 account has already been deactivated from the list of drivers of the ride hailing company following his arrest.
If the driver would be found guilty of being involved in illegal drugs, Gonzales said his name would be included in a list of banned drivers that Grab submits to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
鈥淥nce confirmed, he will be perpetually banned and his name becomes part of a blacklist we submit to the LTFRB. He then becomes banned from driving any public utility vehicle,鈥� Gonzales said.
鈥淲e will conduct further investigation internally and see if the operator has any liability,鈥� he added. /kga