DRUG SQUAD PROBLEMS 'DEALT WITH,' CHIEF SAYS

More Toronto Officers Could Face Disciplinary Measures

TORONTO -- Toronto police Chief Julian Fantino says a 30-month
investigation did not uncover widespread corruption in the city's
now-disbanded drug squad.

But Chief Fantino confirmed yesterday that disciplinary proceedings may be
initiated against former squad members who are not facing criminal charges.

"Over 21/2 years ... the allegations against the remaining officers that
have appeared in today's media were fully investigated but not supported by
evidence," said Chief Fantino.

"Whatever issues fall out from this investigation, they either have been
dealt with or they are being dealt with."

Six veteran officers were charged earlier this month with 22 counts of
perjury, theft, extortion and assault-related charges. Four other former
drug-squad members were named as unindicted co-conspirators.

The corruption allegations have also resulted in the staying of charges in
more than 200 drug prosecutions in Toronto, dating back to 1996.

Affidavits made public this week by the Ontario Court of Appeal showed a
task force, led by RCMP Chief Supt. John Neily, found evidence of criminal
activity by as many as 17 officers. The allegations included theft of money
and drugs during raids, trafficking, threats against witnesses and even the
sale of weapons to drug dealers.

The findings outlined in task force affidavits appear to contradict Chief
Fantino's assertions that the allegations were "not supported by evidence."

The task force indicated it had "isolated significant criminal behaviour on
the part of 12 serving Toronto Police Service officers against whom I
believe I have reasonable and probable grounds to believe they have
committed serious criminal offences," said Chief Supt. Neily in an
affidavit file in June 2003.

Ontario's Attorney General's office eventually decided to lay charges
against only six of the officers under investigation.

Ontario Attorney General Michael Bryant has refused to call a public
inquiry into the corruption allegations.

"We have a terrific police force, but the comments of a chief
superintendent of the RCMP have to be taken seriously," Toronto Mayor David
Miller said yesterday. "I spoke with the chief of police today and he will
be reporting to the (police services) board about ways to ensure that
public confidence is maintained."

The impact of the task force findings, however, may not be limited to the
criminal charges or disciplinary proceedings. The allegations could also
result in civil lawsuits being filed against the force and the Police
Services Board.

The task force identified 28 cases where there was suspected "criminal
misconduct" by drug squad officers. Convictions were registered in at least
14 of these proceedings, which all took place in the late 1990s. The
federal Department of Justice, which handles all drug prosecutions, said it
was not aware of the misconduct allegations in these cases until the task
force affidavits were unsealed earlier this month.

The police services board has already settled three of at least seven
lawsuits that were previously filed against drug squad officers, but it has
refused to make public any details of the agreements.