Cocaine switched for talcum powder

[Pure]

POLICE sniffer dogs in Victoria have lost their ability to trace drugs after a batch of cocaine used to train them was apparently switched for talcum powder.

The switch was discovered during routine tests in the past fortnight when the dogs ignored bundles of cocaine, but showed unusual prowess in tracking baby powder.

 

Three separate corruption investigations have been launched to find out what happened to cocaine supplied by the Australian Federal Police to train the sniffer dogs.

 

Victorian police internal affairs sources said it was likely the drugs were switched after coming to Victoria, although it was possible the cocaine was simply incorrectly identified by the AFP.

 

After informing the Office of Police Integrity that The Australian was aware of the apparent drug switch, VicPol confirmed an investigation had begun.

 

"The Ethical Standards Department is waiting for results of forensic testing of cocaine used in the training of Victoria police dogs," Assistant Commissioner Paul Evans said.

 

"An initial forensic analysis of the cocaine identified a discrepancy in a sample and further tests are being conducted on other samples."

 

The AFP, VicPol and the Victorian Office of Police Integrity have all begun separate inquiries into how the drugs were substituted.

 

Opposition police spokesman Kim Wells said the latest incident again showed the need for an independent commission into Victoria Police.

 

"It's very unlikely the cocaine was mis-identified as talcum powder. We want an immediate investigation from the chief commissioner of police and an explanation as to how this could have happened," Mr Wells said.

 

"This is a very serious matter indeed." Victorian Police Minister Tim Holding rejected calls for an independent commission and said Victoria's Office of Police Integrity was the most appropriate body to monitor police behaviour.

 

"This incident shows what a bad idea a royal commission would have been," Mr Holding said.

 

"What we have now is an independent office of investigators which can deal with these matters as they arise.

 

"A royal commission would simply have delivered a snapshot of the force 18 months ago and not been able to deal with incidents such as this."

 

Victoria's powerful Police Association has also resisted sustained calls for an independent commission of inquiry into the conduct of their members.

 

An AFP spokeswoman confirmed they were looking at the incident. "We are aware of the issue but I am not in a position to comment any further," a spokeswoman said.

 

This is the latest in several alleged drug thefts by Victoria Police.

 

In June 2001, drug squad detective Geoffrey William "Billy" Gunn died after taking an overdose of amphetamines allegedly stolen from Melbourne criminals.

 

Recent high-profile arrests involving VicPol sniffer dogs included drug busts at two large rave parties.

 

In March, police used sniffer dogs to arrest 46 people and charge them with possessing amphetamines, ecstasy and marijuana at a Two Tribes dance party at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena.

 

And in January, 22 people were arrested for drug possession at the annual Summadayze dance party at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne.

 

The sniffer dogs detected more than 35 people with illegal drugs as they patrolled people queuing to enter.

 

http://www.news.com.au/story/print/0,10119,15344997,00.html

[fsagertyaef]

:reallyexcited: :scratchin :whistling :thumbsup thats all i can say about that

[WantDaChronic]

well we all knew police like their drugs and prefer to steal them from us than buy them some guy just got greedy and stole from his work mates and by now has to be shitting himself ::

[Buddy]

What pisses me off is when these corrupt police, baggage handlers, footballer rapists, crooked polititions get caught, they walk.

 

Grow a plant that deprives the government of toxic tobacco revenue but gives pain releif to many and they lock you up.

 

Just doesn't make sense. :angry:

[quizywig]

What pisses me off is when these corrupt police, baggage handlers, footballer rapists, crooked polititions get caught, they walk.

yep it sucks, be nice if we had a Justice system here instead of a legal system,

[Pickle]

Well that explains it, i've walked past heaps of dogs and never got sniffed... It's because i don't use talcum powder.

 

Those dogs should realy be retired, you can't expect them to be objective and ignore talcum powder now even if they are retrained.

[Tom]

Those dogs should realy be retired, you can't expect them to be objective and ignore talcum powder now even if they are retrained.

Think of how many dirty nappies that the LEO's are going to have to sift through every time the dogs react to a talcum powder treated bum, hope they get plenty of shitty ones.

 

[F420]

Think of how many dirty nappies that the LEO's are going to have to sift through every time the dogs react to a talcum powder treated bum, hope they get plenty of shitty ones

 

Muhahah, :: :: Thanks for the picture of that in my mind.

Dont chicks also use baby poweder in their private area too?

 

Buddy is right on the money with his post!, its one rule for them and another one for us.

[FlowerPower]

In March, police used sniffer dogs to arrest 46 people and charge them with possessing amphetamines, ecstasy and marijuana at a Two Tribes dance party at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena.

There's nothing like "cops with big dogs" to ruin a good night...