'VIGOROUS' DEFENCE PLANNED BY OFFICERS

All six former drug squad officers charged yesterday are "experienced,
very good officers with clean records," Toronto Police Association
head Rick McIntosh said yesterday. "These are unproven allegations
from drug dealers and the like.

"As an association, we have faith in the justice system. These
officers will defend themselves as vigorously as possible."

McIntosh, who succeeded Craig Bromell to the top union post late last
year, said he is not aware of a bigger investigation into police in
all of Canada.

"No expense seems to have been spared," he said.

Sources say the union has been on tenterhooks since two years ago,
when Toronto Police Chief Julian Fantino appointed RCMP Chief Supt.
John Neily to head the drug squad probe.

Union sources say they are surprised that so few charges have been
laid after such a long and expensive probe.

The trial process will be long and protracted, McIntosh said. "We'll
just see where this goes."

The officers have been placed under suspension, which could last until
their trials are over and "the chief, or whomever, decides to bring
them back," McIntosh said.

Each of the accused will have to apply to the union's legal assistance
plan for lawyer funding.

Union funds are currently supplying former drug squad Det. Rob Kelly
with top trial lawyer Peter Brauti.

Kelly has pleaded guilty to cocaine possession and will be sentenced
Jan. 23.

Harry Black has represented Ned Maodus on unrelated OPP charges and
task force drug charges in Orangeville.