Pubdate: Mon, 12 July 1999
Source: Belfast Telegraph (UK)
Copyright: 1999 Belfast Telegraph Newspapers Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/

DRUGS POLICE WILL NOT FACE CHARGES

NO police officers are to be prosecuted over allegations surrounding the
running of the RUC Drugs Squad.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has decided that there should be no
charges into the claims, which sent shockwaves through the force.

The Crown lawyers took the decision after studying a dossier forwarded by
detectives who investigated the claims.

A special team headed by Detective Chief Superintendent Derek Martindale,
deputy head of Special Branch, carried out the probe, which lasted 18 months.

They interviewed a number of serving and former members of the Drugs Squad.

It's understood that procedures for the payment of informers formed one
part of their investigation.

It is not known whether any officers could still face internal disciplinary
proceedings.

A spokesperson for the DPP said: "A detailed direction has been issued to
the police."An RUC spokesman said: "We can confirm that we have received a
communication from the DPP."

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