POLICE ACCUSED OF MARIJUANA TRAFFICKING

Three detectives from the Victoria Police organised crime squad and a city
patrol group sergeant trafficked in marijuana seized during a drug raid, a
court was told yesterday.

The Melbourne Magistrates Court heard one detective gave part of the
nine-kilogram marijuana haul to a colleague who gave it to a drug dealer.

Detective Inspector Dennis O'Bryan, of the corruption investigation
division of the ethical standards department, alleged Sergeant Michael
George Redford gave the marijuana to the dealer.

Mr O'Bryan said the Sunshine dealer sold the marijuana for $8000 and paid
Sergeant Redford $6000, some of which was allegedly given to his three
colleagues.

Sergeant Redford, 43, of the city patrol group, Detective Sergeant Robert
John Sodomaco, 38, Detective Senior Constable Scott Poynder, 31, and
Detective Senior Constable Roger Ian Grant, 35, all of the organised crime
squad, were arrested yesterday.

They were suspended with pay and face charges of trafficking, conspiracy to
traffic, possession and theft of marijuana.

The prosecutor, Ms Luisa Di Pietrantonio, told the court bail could be set
for the men once they had shown that their further detention was not
justified.

Mr O'Bryan said the three detectives seized the marijuana and hydroponic
equipment when they executed search warrants on two houses in Airport West
on 13 March.

He said the detectives stole the marijuana the same day and gave some of it
to Sergeant Redford who gave some to the dealer.

Questioned by Mr Tony Hargreaves, for the detectives, Mr O'Bryan said there
was no concern the men would fail to appear, he was not seeking reporting
conditions and that each man had no prior convictions.

He told Mr Tony Isaacs, for Sergeant Redford, the dealer was given about 20
ounces of green, wet marijuana including heads, branches and stems.

Mr O'Bryan said the dealer sold the marijuana for $8000 and alleged
Sergeant Redford received $6000 in return.

Mr Hargreaves told the magistrate, Mr Brian Barrow, the men would not face
trial until about the end of next year and their time in custody would be
spent in isolation.

Mr Barrow, in granting bail in the men's own undertaking, said they would
contest the charges and ordered them not to contact prosecution witnesses.

They will appear again on 12November.

Checked-by: Pat Dolan