Pubdate: Wed, 17 Aug 2005
Source: Mississauga News (CN ON)
Copyright: The Mississauga News 2005
Contact:  http://www.mississauganews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/268
Author: Louie Rosella
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?236 (Corruption - Outside U.S.)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Khat (Khat)

PEEL POLICE OFFICER FIRED OVER DRUG CONVICTION

A Peel Regional Police Officer Has Been Fired After Pleading Guilty To 
Possessing Illegal Drugs.

According to a Peel Police Services Board document, former Const. Ahmed 
Hassan, 37, was arrested Jan. 25, 2002 by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police 
at Pearson International Airport after officers and customs officials found 
the banned drug "khat" in his suitcase.

Police say about 220 grams of the drug, with a street value of a little 
more than $100, was found.

Documents show Hassan pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled 
substance, Aug. 11, 2003 in Superior Court.

Court officials said yesterday he received a conditional discharge and 12 
months on probation.

Khat is a mild narcotic derived from tree shoots that are chewed much like 
tobacco for a stimulant-like effect.

It is a popular social drug, much like alcohol, in East Africa, but Health 
Canada officials have classified it as a mood-altering amphetamine.

It is a stimulant that produces a feeling of exaltation and a feeling of 
being liberated from space and time, according to medical officials.

If used chronically, the user could become delirious.

A Police Services Board document obtained by The News states that when 
Hassan was nabbed at the airport, "he was off duty and attempted to clear 
Canada Customs and a secondary custom's inspection by producing his 
(police) badge and warrant card in order to affect a personal advantage."

In a Police Services Board meeting last Friday, the board announced through 
its quarterly discipline report that Hassan must either resign or he will 
be dismissed within seven days. Police confirmed yesterday Hassan, who was 
with the force for more than three years, was dismissed earlier this year.

"Constable Hassan's actions brought discredit to the reputation of the Peel 
Regional Police," said the discipline report prepared by Inspector Dan 
McDonald, head of the force's Professional Standards Bureau.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom