OFFICER ACCUSED OF DRUG LOCKER THEFT

Internal affairs cameras catch alleged offence

A Calgary police officer has been suspended with pay after he was accused of
taking small amounts of drugs from the police service storage locker.

It's alleged Const. Eric Lewis was detected by surveillance cameras -- set
up by internal affairs officers -- of scraping leftover marijuana and
cocaine from tables and lockers.

The cameras were installed in April after unknown quantities of drugs and
money were missed from the secured room located at downtown police
headquarters, said two police sources.

Calgary Police Association president Al Koenig confirmed Lewis, a veteran of
more than 20 years standing, had been suspended with pay and is facing
charges of discreditable conduct.

However, Koenig could not comment on the investigation.

"(Lewis) sought out association assistance and we're working with him,"
Koenig told the Herald.

Lewis could face termination from the police service due to the nature of
the internal charges, but no criminal charges have been laid.

Calgary police refused to talk about the case Monday.

"The Calgary Police Service does not comment on internal investigations,"
said spokesman Don Stewart.