Barangay workers undergo drug test

The Cebu City Office on Substance Abuse Prevention conducted a surprise drug test yesterday afternoon to barangay Carreta workers and tanods as part of the city government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign among its people.

The test was spearheaded by the office of Councilor Agustus Pe in cooperation with Carreta barangay captain Edgardo Lauron and councilman Jeffrey Oliver.

At least 30 Carreta workers have submitted their urine samples during the drug test, which was performed by members of the Philippine National Police Crime laboratory.

The drug-testing kit, which costs P80 to P100, was provided by the COSAP. But according to COSAP head Felix Jose Lazarte, a drug-testing kit or a drug test done in private drug testing centers would usually cost P300 to P350.

 Lazarte told The Freeman that the test was part of the city’s anti-illegal drugs campaign covering all the city and barangay workers.

The drug test is usually announced to all barangays and City Hall offices, but COSAP keeps the schedule a secret.

Last year, several butchers hired by the city veterinarian for the city’s abattoir were found positive of drug use, Lazarte said.

Yesterday’s drug screening was the first for this year and another would be conducted in other barangays in the next few days.

According to Lazarte, the specimen of those who are found positive would be brought to the PNP Crime Laboratory for a confirmatory test.

“If they would be found positive in the drug-screening test, dad-on g’yud nato ngadto sa crime lab for confirmatory. Kung ma-positibo gihapon, ang kapitan na maoy mo-decide kung ipabilin sila o taktakon sa ilang trabaho,” Lazarte said.

But Lazarte said an employee found using illegal drugs would automatically be dismissed from service. — Edwin Ian Melecio/LPM