PDEA execs, personnel undergo surprise drug test

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted on Friday a surprise and mandatory drug test on its 664 officers and personnel, who all tested negative of illegal drug use.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said the drug test was conducted by taking urine samples from the agency’s key officials, drug enforcement officers, administrative personnel, contractual employees, and security and maintenance people.

“The surprise mandatory drug test is done once to twice a year, or even more, when there is reasonable suspicion of drug use by PDEA personnel,” Aquino said in a statement.

This is the second mandatory and surprise drug test for personnel of the agency this year. The first was conducted on January 18.

READ: PDEA conducts surprise drug test to employees

According to Aquino, the drug test was administered in pursuant to Section 36 (e), Article III of the Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002,” which states that officers and members of the military, police, and other law enforcement agencies shall undergo an annual mandatory drug test.

He said the PDEA also conducted the drug test as the agency pushes for drug-free workplaces in the country.

“PDEA must be drug-free. It should be because we are the prime implementers of the anti-drug law. It establishes our credibility and moral ascendancy to lead the national anti-drug campaign,” he said. /jpv