France investigates Marseille anti-crime squad police - 12 members arrested in an inquiry into corruption

[BBC] At least 12 members of the police anti-crime squad (BAC) in the southern French city of Marseille have been arrested in an inquiry into corruption.

They are suspected of having stolen drugs and cash from dealers and taking cigarettes from illicit sellers.

Five hundred grams of hashish, cash and jewellery were found hidden in the ceiling of a police station.

A lawyer said the find did not prove the officers were corrupt, as they frequently worked under deep cover.

Marseille has been plagued by drug-related crime for decades and the officers arrested had worked on housing estates notorious for trafficking.

"A few of them, apparently, were helping themselves and taking a cut," said prosecutor Jacques Dallest.

A police source who spoke to French magazine L'Express on condition of anonymity said he expected more arrests to follow.

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