Cop submits water for urine sample in random drug test

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Regional Office-7 yesterday clarified that the Cebu City policeman earlier accused of cheating in the surprise drug test actually did not submit a stale urine sample but water.

The policeman, whose name is kept confidential, was among the eight city cops who initially tested positive of using illegal drugs. He was however found negative in the confirmatory test.

Supt. Audie Villacin, officer-in-charge of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, said the policeman will still face administrative investigation for dishonesty even if he was tested negative in the confirmatory test.

Villacin explained that what was submitted was really urine sample of the policeman because the chemists were suspicious of the sample first submitted to them.

According to Villacin, the chemists found out that the policeman submitted water in lieu of his urine sample prompting them to require him to submit a new sample. It was then that the said policeman tested positive in the initial round. However, he was already negative in the confirmatory test.

Villacin admitted that they are baffled by the result of the confirmatory test because all the others who were initially tested were found positive of drug use.

Villacin said they are looking at the possible tampering of the urine sample. Nevertheless, the said policeman will still face investigation for trying to manipulate the result of his test by submitting water for his urine sample.

The police headquarters is now wrapping up its pre-charge investigation against the seven other policemen who were found positive of drugs. They however refused to divulge the names of these policemen until now. (FREEMAN)