Police light at a crime scene; file photo
Police Light at a Crime Scene; File Photo

Wayne Police Officer Fired After Random Drug Test Returned Positive Result

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1 min read
June 21, 2026

A Wayne police officer was terminated after a random drug screening required under New Jersey Attorney General guidelines revealed the presence of a prohibited substance, according to the state’s major discipline report.

A Wayne Police Department officer lost his job after failing a mandatory random drug test, according to newly released details contained in New Jersey’s 2025 Major Discipline Report.

Officer Eric Lougheed was terminated following a sustained violation of the department’s substance testing policy.

The report lists the disciplinary charge as a violation of Wayne Police Department Rule 3:6.2, which governs substance testing for law enforcement personnel.

Random Drug Test Led to Investigation

According to the disciplinary findings, Lougheed was selected for a random drug screening conducted under guidelines established by the New Jersey Attorney General.

The report states that the officer’s sample tested positive for a prohibited substance.

Officials did not identify the substance involved or provide additional details regarding the circumstances of the test.

Termination Required Under Policy

The major discipline report indicates that Lougheed was terminated from his position as a Wayne police officer as a result of the positive test.

The report did not list any suspension, demotion, resignation, or retirement associated with the case.

Instead, termination was imposed following the sustained finding.

Drug Testing Requirements for New Jersey Officers

New Jersey law enforcement agencies are required to maintain drug-testing programs that include random testing of sworn officers.

The Attorney General’s guidelines establish procedures for testing and disciplinary action when officers test positive for prohibited substances.

Police agencies throughout the state are required to report major disciplinary actions, including terminations, through New Jersey’s annual major discipline reporting system.

Included in Statewide Discipline Report

The case appears in the state’s 2025 Major Discipline Report, which publicly discloses significant disciplinary actions taken against law enforcement officers.

The report lists Lougheed as having been terminated and notes that the disciplinary charge was sustained following the positive drug test result.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

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