Pubdate: Fri, 18 Jan 2002 Source: Denver Rocky Mountain News (CO) Copyright: 2002, Denver Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/371 FBI ASKED TO INVESTIGATE DALLAS DRUG BUSTS The FBI has been asked to investigate about 60 drug busts by Dallas police involving fake drugs, the Dallas County district attorney said Friday. District Attorney Bill Hill said he is seeking the FBI's help because the Drug Enforcement Administration announced Thursday that the agency would not conduct a criminal investigation. "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," Hill said. "It is essential to have an independent agency involved so the results of the investigation will restore public trust." The DEA, invited to join the investigation by Dallas Police Chief Terrell Bolton, said it would only look into police policies and procedures. The FBI typically handles cases involving allegations of public corruption. "Anytime you arrive at where we are you have to be concerned," Bolton said during a news conference late Friday. He said the department pledges its support in the FBI investigation. He said the help of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Internal Revenue Service may also be needed. "I want to assure the public this matter will be thoroughly investigated," Bolton 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. Hill said the fact that he has asked for the FBI's help is not a reflection on the Dallas police department. "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," he said. Special Agent Will Glaspy, a Washington spokesman for the DEA, said that after meeting with police officials Wednesday, his agency might advise the police department about how to improve drug investigations. He declined to say why the agency had ruled out a criminal inquiry of those involved. Glaspy said members of a team of DEA auditors who specialize in management issues would begin their review next week. "It's just like a management review," Glaspy said in The Dallas Morning News for its Friday editions. "We're going to look at their investigations, their policies and procedures and see if we can make any recommendations." Dallas police spokeswoman Janice Houston said the department would move forward with an internal investigation. Bolton has said the department was reviewing 70 narcotics purchases initiated by the paid confidential informant since 1999 after tests on the seized evidence found no drugs or only minute amounts of illegal material contained in gypsum. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth