Pubdate: Sat, 04 Jun 2005
Source: Clarion-Ledger, The (MS)
Copyright: 2005 The Clarion-Ledger
Contact:  http://www.clarionledger.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/805
Author: Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?158 (Club Drugs)

OFFICER ACCUSED OF SELLING DRUGS

Authorities Say Son Of Ex-Police Chief Had "Club Drug" At His Home

A Biloxi police officer has been charged with selling Ecstasy and
having the illegal drug in his beachfront home.

Darrell Cvitanovich Jr., 35, was being held Friday in a protective
unit at the Harrison County Adult Detention Center after his arrest.
The patrol and K-9 officer, who also is the son of a former police
chief, has worked at the Biloxi Police Department for more than 10
years.

Cvitanovich has been placed on administrative leave, said Capt. Pat
Pope, commander of the Coastal Narcotics Enforcement Team. Ecstasy,
also know as MDMA, is an illegal stimulant known as a "club drug"
because of its association with all-night dances or parties known as
raves.

"We have no reason to believe any other police officer was involved,"
Pope said. The officer's father, D.D. Cvitanovich Sr., is a retired
state trooper who served as the city's public safety director from
1989 to 1993 during the administration of Mayor Pete Halat.

The drug unit received information about two weeks ago accusing
Cvitanovich of illegal drug activity, Pope said.

It wasn't clear when the alleged drug sale took place or how much
Ecstasy the case involves. "We have established that he sold a
controlled substance on a particular date at a particular time, and
that is all I can say," Pope said.

Pope said Cvitanovich was home when agents went in with a search
warrant and an arrest warrant on Thursday. Agents found Ecstasy and a
small amount of meth, he said. Cvitanovich was charged with sale of a
controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute.

Justice Court Judge Bruce Strong set bond at $25,000. Cvitanovich
faces up to 60 years in prison if convicted on both charges.
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