MOUNTIE CHARGED WITH DRUG THEFT

Detachment Commander Also Accused Of Using Cocaine From Police Exhibit

Merritt's top cop has been arrested and charged for allegedly
stealing - and using - cocaine from an RCMP drug exhibit.

Staff-Sgt. Stuart Seib, Merritt RCMP detachment commander, was
arrested Tuesday and charged with theft Wednesday.

Additional charges are pending for Seib, an 18-year veteran, said
Supt. Mike Sekela, the officer commanding the B.C. RCMP's south-east
district, at a news conference in Chilliwack on Wednesday evening.

"On Friday, Jan. 6, we became aware Staff-Sgt. Stuart Seib stole and
used drug exhibits," said Sekela, adding that there were multiple thefts.

As a detachment commander, Seib would have had access to the evidence
lockup where the cocaine was held.

Sekela said a team of six senior officers was immediately deployed to
investigate the alleged thefts after Seib disclosed his actions to a
fellow RCMP officer.

"We've taken prompt and decisive action," said Sekela. "We had the
entire team out there with-in days, were able to lay a charge,
relieve [Seib] of duty and initiate the process that's so important
to the public confidence that we require," he said.

Seib is under recommendation of suspension without pay and has had
his privileges and access to RCMP facilities revoked. Sekela said the
suspension process should wrap up by Friday.

Investigators will go back over Seib's 18-year RCMP career to
deter-mine whether any other offences may have taken place.

An audit of all exhibits formerly under Seib's control will also take place.

"I understand that news like this is very concerning," said Sekela.
"These actions do not . . . meet my expectations or those of the public."

Seib was made detachment commander in Clearwater in 2003 and was
transferred to Merritt in November 2011. He has also worked in Alert
Bay, Ashcroft and Prince George.