8 police officers in Davao region test positive for illegal drug use

DAVAO CITY — Eight police officers in the Davao region have tested positive for illegal drug use, the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO-11) confirmed Thursday.

Major Catherine Dela Rey, PRO-11 spokesperson, said seven officers tested positive in random drug tests conducted on separate dates, while another tested positive after being arrested in a buy-bust operation.

“I cannot provide specifics about their areas of assignment, but they are from the provincial police offices and the Davao City Police Office,” Dela Rey said.

The officers had been relieved of their posts and disarmed, with pre-charge investigations underway, she added.

Dela Rey reaffirmed PRO-11 Director Brigadier General Leon Victor Rosete’s firm stand against illegal drugs, stressing the importance of strict internal discipline within the regional police force.

In a related development, PRO-11 reported the confiscation of 62.29 grams of illegal drugs valued at P471,396 during a 24-hour operation conducted from Nov. 24 to 25.

The operation led to the arrest of 12 drug suspects, the office said. (PNA)