Vic: Former drug cop committed for trial on trafficking charges
MELBOURNE, April 8 AAP - A former Victorian drug squad detective was today committedto stand trial on drug trafficking charges.
Stephen Paton, 40, is facing two counts each of trafficking and possessing commercialquantities of pseudoephedrine after he allegedly made unauthorised purchases from drugcompanies between October 1999 and May 2000.
During that period, Paton, who was a detective senior constable, allegedly liaisedwith chemical supply companies on behalf of the drug squad.
The drug squad ran a "controlled delivery program" buying the chemicals for sting operationsto track down illegal amphetamine laboratories.
It is alleged Paton sidestepped strict accountability protocols to make the purchasesfrom the drug companies.
During a brief appearance at the Melbourne Magistrates Court today, Paton waived hisright to test prosecution evidence in a committal hearing.
He has reserved his plea on all four counts.
Paton, whose address has been suppressed, remains on bail with a $100,000 surety untilhe faces a case conference on August 7 in the County Court.
AAP nl/clr/ldj/de
KEYWORD: PATON
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