rural rcmp

An RCMP officer stationed in Swift Current is facing drug trafficking charges.

RCMP say they received a complaint in April 2014 regarding 31-year-old Michael Chachula, a seven-year member of the Mounties who had been stationed at the Swift Current Rural Detachment since 2012 as a general duty constable. An investigation was then carried out by the Moose Jaw Police Service, where information unrelated to the original complaint was obtained that warranted further investigation for controlled drugs and substance act offences.

RCMP considered another external investigation by another police service, but said due to the specialized resources and expertise required, the RCMP would retain conduct of the investigation into the new offences. The RCMP "F" Division Major Crime Unit launched an investigation of the new offenses in October.

On Monday, Chachula was arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine and MDMA/ecstacy, and was immediately suspended by the RCMP. He is also the subject of an internal code of conduct investigation.

"It's very disheartening that a serving police officer, sworn to uphold the law, is facing criminal charges," said RCMP "F" Division Superintendent Alfredo Bangloy in a news conference on Wednesday. "These types of allegations are simply unacceptable. I want to reassure the people we serve that each and every time we receive information about employee actions that are not in line with our core values or the rightfully high expectations of Canadians, these allegations are taken very seriously and thoroughly investigated. The RCMP expects its members to adhere to a high standard of conduct both on and off duty."

Chachula was released on conditions, and will make his first court appearance on February 18th in Swift Current.