COP SOLD DRUGS AS SEXPO PROMOTER, COURT TOLD

A police officer trafficked drugs while moonlighting as a promoter
for Sexpo, a court was told today.

Senior Constable Paul Anthony Hatzakortzian was among seven people
arrested following a series of drug searches in metropolitan Melbourne today.

The 36-year-old appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court
this afternoon and facing 80 charges of drug trafficking and
conspiracy to traffic drugs between August 17 and October 1.

Detective Senior Sergeant George Tapai told the court Sen constable
Hatzakortzian, who worked in the sexual offence and child abuse
unit, took leave from this job to work at Sexpo throughout Australia.

He alleged the police officer trafficked drugs to friends and
associates he knew at these events – which is promoted as an
adult lifestyle exhibition.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tapai said four other people charged today
allegedly supplied drugs to Sen constable Hatzakortzian.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tapai alleged he trafficked drugs
including ice, cannabis, ecstasy and speed to associates.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tapai said police launched
an investigation after allegations were made against Sen constable
Hatzakortzian.

The investigation involved police intercepting Sen constable
Hatzakortzian's phone and an undercover police officer allegedly
purchasing drugs from him, Detective Senior Sergeant Tapai told the court.

Sen constable Hatzakortzian's lawyer, Tony Hargraves, said his
client would not apply for bail today and asked that he be placed in
special custody.

Magistrate Phillip Goldberg remanded him in custody to appear before
the court in January.