A total of six applicants for the current police recruitment drive were busted for drugs in their system after their drug tests came back positive for two different illicit substances. From the total number of applicants, four were tested positive in the Regular Police Recruit Program whilst two were in the Police Cadet Officer Program. Of the four in the regular recruit program, which are three males and one female, two tested positive for marijuana and two for methamphetamine or ice. They were among a total of 213 applicants who did their medical checks on Thursday and Friday last week. These applicants were among a total of 213 applicants for the regular police recruit program who did their medical checks. Deputy Commissioner Administration Joanne Clarkson said of that the 213 who did their medical checks, 26 failed, including the four who tested positive for illicit substances. She said 24 were disqualified on other medical conditions such as eye test, neck nodes related to Tuberculosis, and pregnancy. A total of 185 applicants for the police regular recruit program now advance into the physical training stage of the recruitment process. For the cadet officer program, a total of 83 applicants were scheduled for medical checks last week. However, three did not attend. Two were tested positive for controlled drugs whilst two were disqualified on medical grounds. A total of 76 applicants for police cadet officer now advance into the physical training aspect of the recruitment process. Clarkson said that from a total of 296 candidates that were scheduled for medical checks, 261 candidates have advanced to the physical training which is scheduled for today, Monday April 24. “There are stringent measures being put in place to ensure that academically qualified and physically and medically fit persons are selected to enter the Constabulary’s recruit and officer cadet training programs. “We must get it right from the start where the applicants are shortlisted, screened, tested, and medically checked. In the screening process applicants were required to provide proof of high school certificates, birth certificates and National Identification cards, amongst other requirements. The medical tests are being done to ensure that we recruit healthy people into the police force.” Clarkson also expressed that the police top management’s grave concern is applicants testing positive for illicit substances. She said they will be vigilant and ensure that they are not allowed into the Constabulary. A total of 13, 039 applicants were shortlisted from the 48,772 applications received from across the nation for the recent police recruitment drive to fill 560 positions. A total of 3,985 applicants were shortlisted for the National Capital District, Central and Gulf Provinces.