MCCREADIE BACKS POLICE IN DRUG FIND

POLICE Commissioner Richard McCreadie yesterday attacked suggestions
his police force may be behind the cache of drugs found in the roof
cavity of the Bellerive Police Station this week. Although an internal
investigation into the discovery has begun, Tasmanian Greens MHA Peg
Putt has called for an external inquiry to ensure impartiality if
police officers are investigated in relation to the drugs.

Two scam bags (re-sealable plastic bags the size of bank coin bags)
containing cannabis were found during renovations to the station last
Tuesday. Another three bags had been found on April 27.

The cannabis found this week was in a plastic shopping bag, which also
contained a 1991 shopping receipt.

Mr McCreadie said there was nothing to suggest a police officer had
placed the cannabis there. He said the cannabis was most likely placed
there by an offender who was brought into the station for questioning
in 1991 but might have been left alone before being interviewed or
searched.

"The most likely scenario is that my policemen haven't looked after
the drug offender properly," he said.

"I suspect they have taken the opportunity to jump on a table or chair
and slip it in the roof.

"We have got procedures in place that people aren't supposed to be
left by themselves but from time to time they are.

"I am not being dismissive, simply saying this is such a small amount
that people shouldn't be concerned."

However, Ms Putt has called for an external inquiry to ensure
impartiality. She said the recent disbanding of the Northern Drugs
Bureau and conviction of former drug squad sergeant David Charles Ling
for supplying marijuana to his mistress supported an external
investigation call.

"People must be wondering what on earth is going on with the police
and drugs in Tasmania and why the Government doesn't insist on an
external inquiry instead of allowing the police to investigate
themselves," Ms Putt said.

Police Minister David Llewellyn and Mr McCreadie rejected the call for
an external investigation.

"It should be remembered that recent decisions taken to charge police
officers or not to charge have come as a consequence of internal
police investigations," Mr McCreadie said.

The Police Association of Tasmania also hit Ms Putt's
claims.

Association general secretary Mark Kadziolka said all interviews were
recorded and considerable resources used to ensure competent and
thorough investigations.