MERRITT'S TOP COP ACCUSED OF STEALING AND USING COCAINE

A high-ranking RCMP officer in the Merritt detachment will likely
make an appearance at the Kamloops courthouse in the coming weeks
facing theft charges after allegedly stealing cocaine from seized exhibits.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Stuart Seib - detachment commander in Merritt - is
alleged to have stolen and used drugs from the same exhibit more than once.

RCMP Chief Supt. Mike Sekela, the officer in charge of the RCMP's
B.C. Southeast District, announced in a statement today (Jan. 11)
that Seib would be facing theft charges.

Court records do not show any charges as of yet.

Seib, who has been with the RCMP for nearly two decades, served as
the officer-in-charge of the Clearwater detachment prior to his
transfer to the Nicola Valley last November.

Investigators became aware of the alleged theft on Jan. 6, and Seib
was arrested yesterday.

Over the weekend, Sekela said, a team of "senior experienced
officers" audited all drug exhibits which had been under Seib's care.

Sekela said Seib has been suspended until further notice.

"While the alleged actions of this member are extremely troubling,
they are clearly not representative of the high moral and ethical
standards of the vast majority of the members of the RCMP," he said.

Sekela said senior RCMP managers have met with members of the Merritt
detachment and advised them of the situation.

"I am very confident that they remain committed and dedicated to
keeping their community safe," he said.

Sekela said Seib has had his badge and service weapon seized, and had
his access to RCMP facilities revoked.