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Laura Yuen
ST. PAUL, Minn.

Patrol denies claim that cops gave people drugs

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The Minnesota State Patrol is denying allegations that officers were supplying young people in downtown Minneapolis with illegal drugs.

A video released this week by the activist group Occupy Minnesota interviewed so-called test subjects who said sheriff's deputies from around the state were giving them marijauana as part of a program run by the State Patrol. The program trains officers to identify impaired drivers.

But Lt. Eric Roeske says the program's supervisors looked into the claims and are confident the officers did not offer drugs to the volunteers who agreed to be evaluated.

Roeske says there's no need for further investigation.

"We have nothing to hide," said Roeske. "This program has been conducted for over 20 years in Minnesota, so we don't see any need or reason to change what's going on unless there is some information or evidence that would substantiate the allegations."

The video did not show anyone actually taking drugs.

Minneapolis police say they weren't involved with the operation but are looking into the claims.