PNP: 9 cops test positive for illegal drugs

No golf, casino, cockfighting for cops during office hours — PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa

PNP Chief Police Director General Ronald “Bato” M. dela Rosa yesterday announced that nine police personnel tested positive during a surprise drug test to PNP personnel, including senior officials, during the first command conference last July 1.

In a press conference held at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, dela Rosa said that the PNP Crime Laboratory conducted the random drug testing to some 2,405 personnel, including 75 high ranking police officials.

“In line with drug testing program to all PNP personnel that PNP Crime Laboratory has conducted random drug testing to 2,405 personnel from the National Headquarters to Regional police and police districts to include 75 high ranking police enforcers on July 1 at Camp Crame and the test yielded negative result on 2,396 urine specimen submitted for analysis, while nine found positive results. This specimen is subjected to confirmatory test,” he told reporters.

Dela Rosa refused to give the names of cops who were found positive for illegal drugs.

However, he mentioned that most of them were from the Police Regional Office 7 in Cebu.

“They are all coming from the regions, the hierarchy officers were found negative,” He said.

According to dela Rosa, the drug test aims to show transparency in the organization and ensure the public that PNP high officials are capable of being role models in leading the fight against illegal drugs.

He said during the confirmatory test if the the nine police officers will be found positive of using the illegal drugs, they will be axed immediately from their posts and shall face administrative raps.

Dela Rosa said he was very alarm with the result of random drug testing adding that the number is high.

“Very alarming out of 2,405 a number nine positive is already high. I have zero tolerance in drugs then there were nine who are positive? This is alarming,” dela Rosa added.

Meanwhile, the PNP chief warned police officials who have been playing golf and going to casinos during office hours.

According to dela Rosa, such practice has to stop as it has always been the reason why a lot of works in the PNP remain unfinished.

Dela Rosa issued the statement before officials and PNP personnel in Camp Crame, saying that anyone who will violate his directive will be held liable.

“Officers are no longer allowed to play golf (during office hours). Violators will receive a memo from me,” he said.

The PNP Chief added that policemen should not be seen in casinos and cockpit arenas from now on.