FBI ASKED TO INVESTIGATE FAKE-DRUG CASES

DALLAS -- Dallas County District Attorney Bill Hill this morning said he
has asked the FBI to investigate a series of drug busts made by Dallas
police that involved fake drugs.

Mr. Hill said he made the decision to request FBI assistance because the
Drug Enforcement Administration announced Thursday that the agency would
not conduct a criminal investigation into the Police Department's handling
of the cases. The DEA said it would only look into police policies and
procedures.

The FBI typically handles cases involving allegations of public corruption.

"These cases have raised questions in the mind of the public that reflect
not just on police procedures, but on the integrity of the entire criminal
justice system. It is essential to have an independent agency involved so
the results of the investigation will restore public trust," Mr. Hill said.

"Let me emphasize that this is in no way intended to be a reflection on the
Dallas Police Department or any individual officers," he said. "In fact, it
is important to all concerned, including the officers, that this
investigation be conducted in a way that will produce results quickly, fair
to all concerned and results that are credible to the public.

"This is best achieved by the involvement of a credible outside agency,"
Mr. Hill said.

The district attorney's office is working to dismiss at least 59 drug
cases, some involving two Dallas police undercover narcotics officers, who
are on administrative leave, and at least one paid confidential informant.

Thirty-nine people had been arrested as a result of the 59 cases, and at
least three remain in custody. Several others have been deported.