Pubdate: Sat, 19 Jan 2002 Source: Dallas Morning News (TX) Copyright: 2002 The Dallas Morning News Contact: http://www.dallasnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/117 Author: Tim Wyatt, The Dallas Morning News Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption) FBI ASKED TO INVESTIGATE FAKE-DRUG CASES DALLAS -- Dallas County District Attorney Bill Hill this morning said he has asked the FBI to investigate a series of drug busts made by Dallas police that involved fake drugs. Mr. Hill said he made the decision to request FBI assistance because the Drug Enforcement Administration announced Thursday that the agency would not conduct a criminal investigation into the Police Department's handling of the cases. The DEA said it would only look into police policies and procedures. The FBI typically handles cases involving allegations of public corruption. "These cases have raised questions in the mind of the public that reflect not just on police procedures, but on the integrity of the entire criminal justice system. It is essential to have an independent agency involved so the results of the investigation will restore public trust," Mr. Hill said. "Let me emphasize that this is in no way intended to be a reflection on the Dallas Police Department or any individual officers," he said. "In fact, it is important to all concerned, including the officers, that this investigation be conducted in a way that will produce results quickly, fair to all concerned and results that are credible to the public. "This is best achieved by the involvement of a credible outside agency," Mr. Hill said. The district attorney's office is working to dismiss at least 59 drug cases, some involving two Dallas police undercover narcotics officers, who are on administrative leave, and at least one paid confidential informant. Thirty-nine people had been arrested as a result of the 59 cases, and at least three remain in custody. Several others have been deported. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl