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Recent reports out of Atlanta claim that some Uber drivers are being used for more than their intended purpose. Specifically, some may be unknowingly transporting illegal drugs. Because of this, there is grave concern in the area over the safety and security, as multiple accounts of this crime have occurred. There have also been documented traffic stops that uncovered drivers carrying drugs.

These Uber drivers had no idea what they were carrying

According to WSB TV, some drivers for Uber Courier fear they may be being used as drug mules. This comes after others have learned this was the case for them. For context, Uber Courier exists for these drivers to carry packages, not people. This is evident in a recent traffic stop where a police officer learned this was happening. 

Regarding the traffic stop, an impacted Uber Courier driver called the police in October of last year because he noticed an odd smell coming from the package. The app required the driver to deliver the suspicious package to an apartment in Atlanta. When asked how it smelled in the body cam footage, the man replied, “Dank, like wet, but I know what weed smells like.” Naturally, the driver also feared someone catching him with the package. 

This isn’t the only instance of Uber Courier drivers having suspicious packages in the area. During a March traffic stop, a K9 drug dog alerted to drugs inside a driver’s car. Upon searching, the police found multiple types of drugs – marijuana, oxycodone, and baking soda to hide the smell. There was also an instance in January when a driver took a package to the police station. This was after he was tasked with delivering it to an address, but he felt skeptical about doing so. 

Statements from law enforcement and Uber

Bill Donaldson, FBI Supervisory Special Agent, issued a statement about the Uber drivers. He said, “My biggest concern is identifying the individuals as quickly as possible that are exploiting these programs. They’re also being used unwittingly to transport individuals who are going to meet up with individuals to sell narcotics, firearms, you name it. Anything that needs to be moved by these organizations, certainly they could use these platforms to do it.”

Uber has also released a statement. The company said, “At Uber, the safety of drivers and delivery people is a top priority. We strictly prohibit the use of our platform for any illegal purposes, and engaging in such activity can lead to permanent loss of access to Uber. Our global investigations team actively works to detect and address suspected criminal behavior on the app, take appropriate action against involved accounts, and support law enforcement agencies in their efforts.”