AFTER three Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) personnel tested positive for illegal drugs, 57 officers underwent a drug test at the CCPO headquarters on Thursday morning, Aug. 8, 2019.

CCPO Director Gemma Vinluan said the activity was in line with Camp Crame’s internal cleansing program, which aims to get rid of officers involved in illegal drugs and other illicit activities.

Those who submitted themselves to the drug test were 41 commissioned officers—composed of the command group, including Vinluan, her staff, chiefs of special units and station commanders; and 16 non-commissioned officers—composed of Vinluan’s security escorts, drivers and other aides.

The Drug Enforcement Unit operatives of police stations in Parian, Waterfront, Talamban and Mambaling had been subjected to a drug test earlier.

Three police officers assigned at the Waterfront Police Station tested positive for illegal drug use last month. They were among the 61 personnel who underwent random drug tests on July 26-27.

Vinluan said the three police officers, whose service firearms were recalled, will be transferred to the Police Regional Office 7’s Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit pending the results of an ongoing investigation.

Using narcotics is a grave offense, and the penalty is dismissal from the service. (WBS)