P constable charged

A police officer has been charged with stealing methamphetamine from the police.

The 27-year-old constable has been stood down from duty and police have notified him of a proposal to suspend.

The constable was serving in the Counties Manukau police district at the time of the alleged theft.

The Weekend Herald understands the charge relates to methamphetamine being held as police evidence.

A detective senior sergeant from the district investigated the case and the accused officer appeared in court this month.

A police spokeswoman confirmed the charge but would not comment - nor would Police Association president Greg O'Connor.