PEEL POLICE OFFICER FIRED OVER DRUG CONVICTION

A Peel Regional Police Officer Has Been Fired After Pleading Guilty To
Possessing Illegal Drugs.

According to a Peel Police Services Board document, former Const. Ahmed
Hassan, 37, was arrested Jan. 25, 2002 by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
at Pearson International Airport after officers and customs officials found
the banned drug "khat" in his suitcase.

Police say about 220 grams of the drug, with a street value of a little
more than $100, was found.

Documents show Hassan pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled
substance, Aug. 11, 2003 in Superior Court.

Court officials said yesterday he received a conditional discharge and 12
months on probation.

Khat is a mild narcotic derived from tree shoots that are chewed much like
tobacco for a stimulant-like effect.

It is a popular social drug, much like alcohol, in East Africa, but Health
Canada officials have classified it as a mood-altering amphetamine.

It is a stimulant that produces a feeling of exaltation and a feeling of
being liberated from space and time, according to medical officials.

If used chronically, the user could become delirious.

A Police Services Board document obtained by The News states that when
Hassan was nabbed at the airport, "he was off duty and attempted to clear
Canada Customs and a secondary custom's inspection by producing his
(police) badge and warrant card in order to affect a personal advantage."

In a Police Services Board meeting last Friday, the board announced through
its quarterly discipline report that Hassan must either resign or he will
be dismissed within seven days. Police confirmed yesterday Hassan, who was
with the force for more than three years, was dismissed earlier this year.

"Constable Hassan's actions brought discredit to the reputation of the Peel
Regional Police," said the discipline report prepared by Inspector Dan
McDonald, head of the force's Professional Standards Bureau.