2 cops face dismissal for drug use

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MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas has ordered the pre-charge investigation and initiation of summary dismissal proceedings against two police non-commissioned officers who were found positive for drug use.

 Sinas said Pat. Reyland Lacap Intal from the Olongapo City Mobile Force Company and Pat. Benhur Ismael from the 2nd Sulu Provincial Mobile Force Company have been disarmed and placed under restrictive custody by their respective units while investigation is ongoing.

 Sinas said Intal was confirmed to be positive for THC metabolites (marijuana) during a random drug test conducted by the PNP Crime Laboratory on personnel of the Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO) on Friday. 

PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas. (Photo from PNP PIO)

 The drug test was made following the arrest of four officers from the OCPO on the same day during an operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, which led to the discovery of a kitchen-type clandestine drug laboratory inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales.

PDEA earlier said the four officers were alleged protectors of the shabu laboratory.

 Meanwhile in Sulu, Ismael was found positive for methamphetamine or shabu use after screening and confirmatory tests were completed on Thursday, according to a Crime Laboratory report.

 Both Intal and Ismael are now facing administrative cases filed before the regional investigative bodies of the PNP. 

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