Phoenix detective arrested in connection with missing narcotics

PHOENIX - A Phoenix detective has been released following his arrest in connection with a narcotics investigation.

According to Phoenix police, the 12-year veteran is accused of swapping OxyContin in the department's evidence room for over-the-counter drugs. In one case, the prescription drug was swapped for the pain medication Aleve.

In a news conference, Sgt. Trent Crump said the detective, whose name has not been released, was arrested Monday morning after turning in his letter of resignation. He was reportedly interviewed and released pending the results of the department's internal investigation.

Officials said 83 evidence bags are believed to have been tampered with, and a police crime lab has so far tested about two dozen bags. Crump said it has been discovered 2,400 pills were swapped out for over-the-counter medication, and they are continuing to test the remaining evidence bags.

Phoenix police are currently executing search warrants and continuing to investigate the theft, though it is unclear how long it may have been going on. The detective could reportedly face charges of evidence tampering, theft and drug possession in connection with the investigation.

Crump said at the Monday news conference it is not believed the narcotics theft will impact any criminal cases because all of the evidence was scheduled to be destroyed.

Police were alerted to the missing OxyContin during a routine audit of evidence.