DRUG MOUNTIE'S HEROIN CAME FROM POLICE DRUG LOCKER: RCMP

A veteran Mountie who died of a heroin overdose took the drug from an
RCMP's drug exhibit locker, an internal investigation has now shown.

But the force is adamant the incident won't have any effect on any drug
trials in the Comox Valley, home of Const. Barry Schneider.

Schneider, 43, died at home Nov. 29 of what was first suspected to be heart
problems but what was later ruled a heroin overdose.

As the drug awareness co-ordinator for north Vancouver Island, Schneider
had access to drugs stored at the detachment, senior officers explained
Friday after completing an internal investigation into Schneider's death.

He used the drugs for training other officers and for public education work.

RCMP spokesman Cpl. Grant Learned said a careful review found there were
two occasions on which Schneider had removed drugs but hadn't put them back
as required or filled out the appropriate paperwork.

One was about a month before his death, the second just the day before he died.

Insp. Dave Zack said the force has carefully reviewed its procedures and
has found them adequate to deal with the handling of drugs.

The Mounties have concluded Schneider likely died of an accidental
overdose, although the possibility of suicide has not been ruled out.

A coroner's inquiry into the death is still under way.