Prosecutors in New Caledonia have indicted two policemen and a lawyer for alleged theft and for selling goods seized during police operations.
The prosecutor, Claire Lanet, says the matter is viewed as extremely serious.
It is alleged that the police passed on confiscated drugs to get tipoffs from informers and to pay for services by medical practitioners.
Mrs Lanet three doctors have been suspended as a result.
According to press reports, a television set and computer that had been confiscated by police was found in the home of one of the police officers, who is married to the lawyer.
The head of the police says it is scandal but there is mainly anger as the affair smears the reputation of all police.
