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Rep. Palacios tests negative for drugs
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Posted on Jan 19 2012
Rep. Ray Palacios (Cov-Saipan), who was arrested in October for crystal methamphetamine or “ice” trafficking, tested negative for drugs based on the Jan. 12 results of a drug test he took on Jan. 5.
Palacios, who gave copies of his drug test results to the media yesterday afternoon, said he hopes the test results will help remove suspicion in anyone’s mind about him.
Still, critics said “ice,” which the lawmaker was suspected of using, stays in the system for only a few days so Palacios’ drug test result may be accurate but he could have used “ice” before or after the time he underwent the testing.
Palacios was tested for amphetamines (ice), cocaine, opiates, PCP/Phencyclidine and THC (marijuana) use.
Speaker Eli Cabrera (R-Saipan) asked House members to undertake drug testing in October to help remove suspicion in anyone’s mind about lawmakers on the heels of Palacios’ arrest on charges of drug trafficking as well as alleged drug use. Palacios took the drug test three months after the speaker’s call for voluntary drug testing.
Only about half of the 20 House members have so far undergone drug testing. The results came back negative.
A Special Committee on Official Conduct and Ethics headed by House Floor Leader George Camacho (Ind-Saipan) to investigate drug-related issues surrounding Palacios has yet to submit its report and recommendation to Cabrera. The speaker called for the panel’s formation after Palacios admitted to drug use before he was arrested on “ice” trafficking. He later posted bail.
The committee said the bigger question is whether Palacios would be allowed to continue with his duties as an elected official after he makes bail, among other things.
Palacios stepped down as chairman of the House Committee on Education in early November, but has since remained a member of the 17th House of Representatives. He has also yet to decide whether to seek re-election and under what political party.
