Pubdate: Fri, 06 Oct 2006
Source: Courier-Mail, The (Australia)
Copyright: 2006 Queensland Newspapers
Contact: http://thecouriermail.com.au/extras/forms/letter.htm
Website: http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/98
Author: Mariza O'Keefe

COP SOLD DRUGS AS SEXPO PROMOTER, COURT TOLD

A police officer trafficked drugs while moonlighting as  a promoter 
for Sexpo, a court was told today.

Senior Constable Paul Anthony Hatzakortzian was among  seven people 
arrested following a series of drug  searches in metropolitan Melbourne today.

The 36-year-old appeared before the Melbourne  Magistrates' Court 
this afternoon and facing 80 charges  of drug trafficking and 
conspiracy to traffic drugs  between August 17 and October 1.

Detective Senior Sergeant George Tapai told the court  Sen constable 
Hatzakortzian, who worked in the sexual  offence and child abuse 
unit, took leave from this job  to work at Sexpo throughout Australia.

He alleged the police officer trafficked drugs to  friends and 
associates he knew at these events –  which is promoted as an 
adult lifestyle exhibition.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tapai said four other people  charged today 
allegedly supplied drugs to Sen constable  Hatzakortzian.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tapai alleged he trafficked  drugs 
including ice, cannabis, ecstasy and speed to  associates.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tapai said police launched 
an  investigation after allegations were made against Sen  constable 
Hatzakortzian.

The investigation involved police intercepting Sen  constable 
Hatzakortzian's phone and an undercover  police officer allegedly 
purchasing drugs from him,  Detective Senior Sergeant Tapai told the court.

Sen constable Hatzakortzian's lawyer, Tony Hargraves,  said his 
client would not apply for bail today and  asked that he be placed in 
special custody.

Magistrate Phillip Goldberg remanded him in custody to  appear before 
the court in January.
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