NCRPO cop fails drug test

MANILA, Philippines — A policeman is facing charges after testing positive for drugs following a random drug test last week, said the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), whose interrogation of the officer led them to another alleged drug-using policeman and their drug dens.

Cpl. Anthony Romano, assigned at the NCRPO’s Regional Intelligence Division, tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu use, results that came out Monday showed, NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas said in a press conference yesterday.

Sinas ruled out the possibility of Romano being a drug protector and said he was only a drug user, based on information the policeman gave when he was interrogated.

Romano claimed that a certain EMSgt. Cesar Najera, detailed at the Highway Patrol Group, was his usual companion during drug sessions.

“Originally, Romano was a liaison officer of Camp Crame before he was assigned to NCRPO, that’s where he probably met (Najera),” Sinas said.

Sinas said Romano also claimed to have been doing drugs with other police officers who already went AWOL and civilians, whom he could only identify by their aliases.

The policeman identified drug dens in Lower Bicutan, Taguig and in front of Camp Crame in Quezon City as their usual haunts. The NCRPO is currently scouting the areas for an eventual raid.

Romano is facing dismissal and will be charged with grave misconduct in relation to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and has been stripped of his firearms.

The NCRPO and the HPG are currently searching for Najera, who will be subjected to drug testing.