A SERVING police officer is due to appear before court on a charge relating to importing a Class A drug.

PC Sarah Simpson, 46, a serving officer with Hampshire Police, is accused of being ‘knowingly concerned in the dealing of class A drugs’ - namely tapentadol - in such a way that she intended to ‘evade any such prohibition or restriction’ relating to the supply of the substance.

She faces one charge of 'evading prohibition/restriction on the exporting of (a) class A drug'.

The offence is said to have taken place between December 1 and December 7 of 2021.

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Simpson was scheduled to appear before Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, February 1 after being issued with a postal requisition.

Michael Harris, chair of the magistrates’ bench, was told prior to Simpson’s appearance that the offence carried ‘special jurisdiction’ owing to her position in the police force and would have to be heard before a more senior judge.

Harris adjourned the hearing, in Simpson's absence, for a plea to take place at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, February 22 in front of a district judge.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: "PC Sarah Simpson, 46, has been charged with importing a Class A pharmaceutical drug and was due to appear at Weymouth Magistrates Court on February 1.

"The offence (is alleged to have taken) place while the officer was off duty.

"PC Simpson is currently on directed duties."

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