A 16-year veteran of the Halton Regional Police force has been arrested and charged with theft and breach of trust after approximately 30 drug exhitbits were allegedly tampered with over a three-year period.
A news release issued Sunday by Halton police says a "comprehensive internal audit" was launched in the fall of 2016 of all drug exhibits when an anomaly was discovered by members of the drug and mortality unit.
The release says, "The audit revealed that approximately 30 exhibits had been tampered with. In all instances, the exhibits involved prescription or illicit opioids, the most common example of which is OxyContin."
"As a result of this information, Chief of Police Stephen Tanner contacted the Toronto Police Service in November, 2016 and requested they undertake an independent, external criminal investigation relating to the exhibits."
Toronto Police began their criminial investigation in December 2016 with their probe resulting in the arrest of Halton Regional Police Staff Sgt. Brad Murray.
Halton Police say from January 2013 to May 2016 Murray was a member and supervisor of the drug and mortality unit and it was during that time police allege the criminal offences took place.
In addition to the charges, Murray will also face disciplinary procedures in accordance with the Police Services Act.
Murray is facing two counts of breach of trust, two counts of theft under $5,000 and obstructing justice.
He has been suspended from duty with pay, a stipulation outlined in the Police Services Act of Ontario.
Murray's first court appearance has been set for June 27, 2017 at the Milton Provincial Courthouse.
With files from CP24