POLICE ARE RAIDED IN FRAUD INQUIRY

Senior NCS officers had invited the Yard's Complaints Investigation
Bureau to look into allegations that officers in Swanley, Kent, had
falsely claimed up to 60,000 in expenses and overtime.

The NCS, which was launched last spring, is the closest type of
British police unit to the American FBI. All officers are seconded
from individual forces and vetted before they join.

They are also expected to sign a contract swearing integrity. The
Swanley NCS branch has 51 officers,drawn from several forces, who
investigate major crime in the South East.

The raid came as two Yard detectives were arrested in a separate
investigation and questioned about trafficking heroin, cocaine and
cannabis. Detective Constable Christopher Drury and Sergeant Bob Clark
were arrested at their homes in South London. Last night they were
being held at Charing Cross police station.

Checked-by: Rich O'Grady