Candidates for public office urged to undergo drug test

In fresh efforts to prevent the spread and use of prohibited drugs in the islands, the Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council has adopted a resolution calling for the institution of a law that would pave the road for a drug-free workplace in the government.

The Council is asking the 12th CNMI Legislature to pass legislation that would require all individuals running for public offices to undergo drug-testing in order to ensure they would be good examples to the local youth.

It said the Legislature should follow the examples set by the Tenorio Administration which instituted a drug-free workplace by requiring all prospective government employees to submit a pre-employment drug test to the Office of Personnel Management.

The resolution noted that two autonomous agencies have instituted a drug-free workplace by terminating their employees who were tested positive for illegal drugs or substance.

It also mentioned the actions taken by the Public School System which expelled students who were found in possession of prohibited drugs and firearms or other deadly weapons that pose danger to the community.

“The Council believes that elected officials should be drug-free,” the resolution reads, adding that the Legislature should pass a bill that would ensure all elected officials do not have a history of illegal drug use.

Council officials said this is in time for next year’s general elections when the Commonwealth electorate will choose who are the rightful successors of the current administration.

The previous administration has implemented a policy that would subject all civil service workers to a drug test, but it was later put on hold to allow employees using illegal substance to seek help.

The Tenorio Administration intensified its campaign against drug use following previous reports that claimed international drug traffickers have been using Saipan as transshipment point for controlled substance, particularly crystal metamphetamine or Ice.

The Division of Customs Services has successfully established procedures to inspect passengers and airplanes on all flights transiting through international and domestic airports in the CNMI for drugs or other prohibited substances.

The government received information that Saipan has been used as entry point for illegal drugs that are smuggled to Hawaii, Guam, Federated States of Micronesia and other areas in the Pacific and the mainland US.

In 1998, alert officers of the customs division confiscated over six pounds of Ice at the Saipan International Airport, according to a report from the Department of Finance.