FBI agents have arrested dozens of Puerto Rican police officers accused of aiding drug traffickers, in one of the worst corruption cases involving a force already tarnished by allegations of brutality, discrimination and incompetence.
In pre-dawn raids, nearly 1,000 federal agents apprehended about 130 people, including more than 80 law enforcement officers accused of providing security to drug dealers. US Attorney General Eric Holder said it was the largest police corruption investigation in FBI history.
The suspects include a dozen prison guards, two US army soldiers, three national guard soldiers and civilians. The indictments allege law enforcement officers provided security for drug deals in exchange for payments ranging from $500 to $4,500. FBI agents conducted 125 undercover drug transactions between July 2008 and September 2010.
US Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodriguez said: 'Honour was sold for drug money.' The charges relate to the distribution of more than 5kg of cocaine. A total of 77 police officers from state and municipal precincts were indicted, including a member of the governor's motor pool.
The arrests brought shock and dismay to the island. Wilson Maldonado, a retired police officer, said: 'This is a sad and deplorable moment for the department.' Calls for reform have mounted, with the civil rights division of the US justice department pursuing its own investigation into alleged abuses.
