EX-DRUG SQUAD OFFICERS FACE CORRUPTION RAPS

TORONTO -- An American-style police corruption scandal exploded in Toronto
yesterday after six former drug squad officers were arrested and charged
with 40 Criminal Code offences. The charges stem from allegations that
include extortion, thefts and the falsification of notes, police records,
court testimony and search warrant affidavits.

Four more ex-drug officers are named as unindicted co-conspirators in an
alleged conspiracy, but have not been charged.

Scores of Police Services Act charges -- including misconduct, deceit and
discreditable conduct -- will be laid against all the indicted and
unindicted officers as well as other officers, sources said.

Situation 'Regrettable'

The charges follow a two-year probe by an RCMP-led task force started by
Chief Julian Fantino two years ago.

Fantino said at a media briefing yesterday that he is "deeply saddened and
disappointed."

"Without doubt, and from all points of view, this whole situation is
regrettable," Fantino said.

As many as 150 drug cases have already been stayed as a result of the
investigation. And sources say there are concerns that more cases will be
stayed, convictions appealed and more civil court law suits filed.

The six officers charged are: Staff Sgt. John Schertzer, the former field
boss of "Team 3" of the Central Field Command drug squad, his lieutenant
Det. Steve Correia, and detectives Joseph Miched, Ray Pollard, Richard
Benoit and Ned Maodus.

Named as unindicted co-conspirators are: Jason Kondo, Greg Forestall,
Jonathan Reid and Mike Turnbull.

After a 15-minute bail hearing, all six posted sureties of at least $25,000
and were freed by Justice of the Peace Inderpaul Chandhoke.

'Stain ... On All Of US'

Task force head RCMP Chief Supt. John Neily told a media briefing that it
"never has been, and never will be, acceptable" for police to be "above the
law."

Police union head Rick McIntosh emphasized that the accused officers are
deemed innocent until proven guilty. He said they are "all experienced and
very good officers with clean records" and the allegations are made by
"drug dealers and the like."

Mayor David Miller said the charges are sad news.

"We've always been very proud of our men and women in blue ... I think any
stain on the police services is a stain on the reputation on all of us,"
Miller said.