Top NSW cops in drug cloud

A FORMER superintendent and two other high-ranking cops are among a number of serving and retired police officers under investigation for drug use and supply.

A NSW Police Integrity Commission investigation, codenamed Operation Ischia, is now under way following revelations three senior officers were suspended for failing drug tests after an unofficial police function in Paddington in August. They returned positive tests for illicit substances, including cocaine.

The officers, two holding the rank of inspector, and an Australian Federal Police officer, remain on suspension while investigations continue. A former superintendent of police is also under a cloud of suspicion.

As private hearings began late last month at PIC headquarters in Sydney, the drug inquiry was also widened to include events under- stood to have taken place in Queensland.

In terms of reference spelled out in the commission's annual report, tabled to state parliament late on Tuesday, Operation Ischia is also examining allegations relating to the "release of confidential police information and issues relating to the NSWPF medical discharge system".

Ischia has called on its Queensland counterparts to assist in examining claims illegal activity occurred north of Tweed Heads.

"Forming part of this investigation was a joint agency agreement with the Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission relating to a number of suspected offences taking place in Queensland," the report states.

A PIC spokeswoman confirmed private hearings were under way but would not say whether they would be followed by public ones.

The NSW Police Force can randomly test officers for drugs but targeted tests are less common and are usually based on intelligence received.

Cases of officers recalled to duty to specifically undergo tests are believed to be rare.

The AFP officer was formerly a NSW police officer, but is now a sky marshal, or air security officer. Such AFP officers are armed and travel incognito on domestic and international flights to deal with violence - including terror attacks.

Earlier this year, Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione condemned drug taking in the police force. "If you take recreational drugs there is no place for you in the NSW Police Force," Mr Scipione said.

SOURCE