Met chief to assess drug claims

Fresh controversy: Commander Brian Paddick

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens is to investigate newspaper allegations that one of his police chiefs smoked cannabis.

Commander Brian Paddick - in charge of an experimental easing of drugs laws in south London - denies claims that he smoked drugs with a former partner.

I totally deny having smoked cannabis

Commander Brian Paddick

Scotland Yard said: "The Metropolitan Police Authority is assessing the information contained in the newspaper story and will consider any other material that comes to light.

"This matter will be the subject of further discussion with the Metropolitan Police Commissioner on Monday."

The Mail on Sunday carried allegations from James Renolleau that he and Mr Paddick shared more than 100 cannabis joints at their London flat.

Partner 'shocked'

A Scotland Yard spokesman added: "If a senior police officer was found to be taking illegal substances they would be on the way to losing their job."

Mr Paddick had admitted Mr Renolleau had smoked cannabis in front of him, while denying smoking the drug himself - according to the paper.

Sir John Stevens is to review the allegations

It quoted him as saying: "I totally deny having smoked cannabis.

Mr Renolleau told the newspaper Mr Paddick would become "giggly" after smoking marijuana.

He said: "The first time he asked to have a puff I was shocked - he was a policeman after all."

Message boards

The accusations follows controversy over remarks Mr Paddick posted on a website about anarchy and drugs.

He was grilled by Sir John Stevens and Assistant Commissioner Mike Todd over his contributions to message boards on the www.urban75.com website.

Mr Paddick was applauded for interacting with the local community but rebuked for some of the language he used, which it was felt could have undermined his authority.

As well as saying he found the concept of anarchism appealing he made several comments apparently supporting the legalisation of some drugs.

'Pleased' with drug project

The pilot project he is pioneering in Lambeth means people found with small quantities of cannabis are let off with a warning rather than being arrested and cautioned.

The aim of Mr Paddick's experiment is to concentrate police time and resources on dealers and harder drugs.

Last week he told BBC News he was "very pleased" with the success of the scheme and thought it should be allowed to continue.