NGARCHELONG — Legislators and staff of Ngarchelong State voluntarily submitted to drug testing at Belau Medical Clinic on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 29–30, following rising community concerns about drug use.
“Ngarchelong State has a law mandating drug testing of state employees, but we, Ngarchelong State legislators, decided to take the test with our staff because of concerns raised in our community about drugs,” said Speaker Abraham Osima.
State Law No. 23-108, enacted in 2023 and signed by Gov. Dwight Ngiraibai, requires random drug testing of Ngarchelong State employees and sets penalties for refusal or testing positive for illegal drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine and other controlled substances under national law.
The law mandates the governor to randomly select employees for drug testing at least once every two years, within a designated three-month period. However, the law exempts elected officials and traditional leaders.
Despite this exemption, Osima said lawmakers chose to participate voluntarily, citing fairness and accountability. “If we are asking our employees to take the test, we should also be willing to do the same,” he said.
As of May 1, test results had not been released.
Under the law, employees who test positive for cocaine, methamphetamine or heroin face suspension and termination if a second test conducted at a different facility confirms the result. Those who test positive for other drugs are placed on probation. If the second test is negative, the individual is placed on probation rather than dismissed.
Those who took the test included Speaker Osima; Vice Speaker Yohei Merur; Floor Leader Dwight Ngirchemat; Legislators Dorothy Ueda (Ngeiungel), Daniel Aguon (Ngebei), Brynn Demei (Ngermetong), Johnny Sambal (Iebukel), and Alex Siliang (Ngerbau); Assembly Clerk Ariel Shiro; Assembly Page Lukas Rimirch; and Sergeant-at-Arms Hadley Renguul.
Also participating were traditional leaders Chief Ngiraurreked Jack Renguul, Chief Riungel Temong Kinto, Chief Uong er Etei Mathias Erbai, Chief Tet Singich Sato, Chief Obak ra Iebukel Lorenzo Ngiramolau, Chief Iechad ra Butelbai Frank Malsol, Chief Rimirch Hayes Ngiratregd, and Chief Obak er Bau.
The move comes amid growing concern over the spread of illegal drugs across Palau. While previously concentrated in Koror, where most of the population resides, drug use has increasingly reached the Babeldaob states and outer islands.
In response, traditional leaders in Koror and Airai have implemented bul—a customary prohibition—aimed at curbing drug use and its harmful effects in their communities.