Six Police officers are to be prosecuted following allegations of brutality in the case of two former Dunkley's Dairy employees recently convicted of conspiracy to import $2 million worth of cannabis.

The Royal Gazette understands that the officers will be charged with assaulting Michael Madeiros, 41, who was convicted last month on charges of importing the cannabis.

As revealed in a special report by The Royal Gazette on February 4, during the pre-trial arguments in the trial of Madeiros, 41, Steven Flood, 39, and Maurice Stovell, lawyer Mark Pettingill alleged all three men had been subjected to severe beatings, threats and false promises while in Police custody in October, 2003.

An internal investigation conducted by Insp. Craig Morfitt recommended that several of the officers be charged with assault and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The officers to be prosecuted are Det. Con. Alan Miguel, Det. Con. David Bhagwam, Det. Con. Jameiko Tucker, Det. Con. Antoine Fox, Det. Con. Andrew Woolridge and Det. Con. Kirly Mitchell.

The six officers have reportedly been transferred out of the narcotics department and could be suspended from the Service when formal charges are brought against them on March 23 in Magistrates' Court. Police spokesman Dwayne Caines refused to comment on why these officers were not suspended immediately, particularly in light of the recent suspension of Chief Insp. Stuart Crockwell following allegations of stealing.

Neither Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith, who is currently abroad, or Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton were available for comment yesterday. Madeiros and Flood were unanimously found guilty on February 3 and are currently in custody awaiting a sentencing date to be set.

Mr. Stovell was released halfway through the trial after Puisne Judge Carlisle Greaves ruled he had no case to answer.