RCMP officer David Clarke charged with drug and weapon offences

Cst. David Clarke, an RCMP member with 4 ½ years service posted to Surrey detachment, has been formally charged with fifteen (15) criminal code offences, including Breach of Trust, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, as well as several firearms related offences.

Charges were approved by Crown Counsel late in the day on December 20th, and Cst. Clarke made a first appearance in Surrey Provincial Court this morning. Clarke was removed from his duties on October 1st when the matters first came to light, and will remain suspended pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings and internal code of conduct investigation.

“These situations, which in my experience are very rare, are taken very seriously,” says the Officer in Charge of Surrey detachment, Chief Superintendent Fraser MacRae. “As the entire matter is now before the courts, I must refrain from further comment out of respect for the judicial process, and the rights of the accused. Our investigation into the criminal allegations has been completed, and the charges you see today are the result of the determination by Crown Counsel that these are the appropriate charges in view of all the circumstances. Cst. Clarke will remain suspended until all of these matters, both criminal and internal, have been dealt with.”

Cst. Clarke will make his next court appearance on January 18, 2011, at Surrey Provincial Court.

Full list of charges here.