London MBE-winning police officer arrested on suspicion of dealing drugs
An out, gay London police officer who was awarded an MBE for his services to diversity has been arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs.
Chief Inspector Paul Cahill, who previously worked as a tactical adviser to the Met Police firearms unit, and a strong proponent of gay rights, was allegedly found in his car, slumped over the wheel.
(An image of the Gay Times cover featuring Cahill was removed from this article at the request of Gay Times magazine)
The 43-year-old was awarded an MBE for his diversity work in the 2003 New Year Honours.
He was arrested on Monday 1 December, and was found in his car in Wandsworth.
Colleagues said they found a stash of drugs in the vehicle, and in his pockets, and he was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply.
He was also under suspicion of driving while unfit through alcohol or drugs, and further substances, also thought to be drugs, were found in his home.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed on Sunday evening that Cahill had been suspended.
After joining the police in 1990, Cahill said it was “virtually not acceptable to be gay”, and later appeared on the cover of Gay Times in his sergeant’s uniform.
The victim of a homophobic attack, Cahill was the chairman of the Gay Police Association for more than ten years and worked as an LGBT liaison officer in Soho.
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