10 Jul 2007

Air Tahiti Nui says services unaffected by drug probe

10:36 am on 10 July 2007

Air Tahiti Nui says its services will not be affected by a police probe over alleged drug offences by dozens of its employees.

More than 30 employees are at the centre of a police investigation into the import and use of drugs, such as cocaine and exstasy.

The banned substances are believed to have been brought in from the United States.

About 100 employees had been questioned as part of the investigation and 33 of them are due to appear in the criminal court in Papeete in September.

Air Tahiti Nui's regional spokesman Craig Lee says their drug policy means they have already put in place disciplinary measures.

"Following investigations with with authorities in french Polynesia, Air Tahiti nui has suspended a number of employees from duty. We can confirm the authorities are investigating drug-related issues but for legal reasons we are unable to make any further comment. However we can provide assurances that this matter will not disrupt our flights and our service will continue as usual."