Michael Chachula, a constable with the RCMP in Swift Current, Sask., has been charged with trafficking cocaine and ecstasy and suspended from his job.

Police said Chachula, 31, was arrested in Swift Current on Monday and charged with two counts of trafficking.

“It is never easy to speak about investigations like these. It’s very disheartening that a serving police officer, sworn to uphold the law, is facing criminal charges. This is unacceptable and we understand the public expects more of us,” said Supt. Alfredo Bangloy, in a news release.

RCMP said the investigation began in April 2014 when the force received a criminal complaint regarding Chachula. Since the allegations involved a Mountie, the RCMP asked the Moose Jaw Police Service to investigate.

During that investigation, Moose Jaw police got information unrelated to the original complaint, which police said warranted further investigation into illegal drugs.

The RCMP said it again considered getting another police force to investigate, but decided its members had the expertise needed to investigate the new drug allegations.



In October 2014, the RCMP's major crime unit began investigating the drug allegations. That investigation led to this week's charges. Police said Chachula is also facing an internal code of conduct investigation.

Chachula is expected to make his first court appearance in Swift Current on Feb. 18. RCMP said Chachula had been working as a general duty constable in Swift Current since 2012. He has been with the RCMP for nearly seven years.