Internal Probe Continues Into Police Cocaine Trafficking Allegations in L.B.

Officials are continuing to investigate allegations that one or more detectives in the 639-officer Long Beach Police Department have been involved in cocaine trafficking. Chief Lawrence Binkley has confirmed that several officers are under suspicion in the internal inquiry.

Last week, auto theft detective Robert C. Roger was detained, then suspended after he was found talking with an alleged drug dealer who was under surveillance by narcotics officers. According to police, Roger warned the alleged dealer that undercover officers were nearby.

When police searched the home and property of suspected dealer Robert D. Earnshaw, they allegedly found a kilogram of cocaine in a pickup truck. Earnshaw was arrested and has since pleaded innocent to a charge of cocaine possession.