1 Jul 2011

CNMI police chief says drug abuse exists in the force

3:36 pm on 1 July 2011

The Northern Marianas Police Commissioner Ramon Mafnas has admitted the existence of drug abuse by some Department of Public Safety personnel, but says he's addressing the concern.

The Police Commissioner says drug tests were conducted under the term of the former commissioner Santiago Tudela and the results were not pleasant.

He says he will be requiring his command staff to undergo random drug testing, and will be issuing a directive to all law enforcement officers, firefighters, and civilian staff to step forward if they are using drugs.

He wants those personnel to sign a declaration admitting their drug use and agreeing to undergo counselling and treatment.

Ramon Mafnas says if results come back positive, employees will have their jobs terminated.