Pubdate: Thu, 25 May 2006
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)
Edition: Suburban
Copyright: 2006 Philadelphia Newspapers Inc
Contact:  http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/340
Author: Barbara Boyer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption - United States)

EX-CHEMIST INVESTIGATED IN CASE OF MISSING DRUGS

A civilian employee of the Philadelphia Police Department has resigned
but remains under investigation for allegedly skimming drugs from
evidence sent to the department's lab, authorities said.

Capt. Benjamin Naish, a police spokesman, confirmed that an Internal
Affairs investigation is under way, and that authorities have been
consulting with the District Attorney's Office.

Cathie Abookire, spokeswoman for the District Attorney's Office, would
not comment on the case.  The employee's name was not released.

The former employee, a chemist who tested drugs, came under
investigation earlier this month when authorities became aware of
possible improprieties, police said.  An audit is being conducted to
determine how many criminal drug cases have been affected.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake