A high-ranking Brockville Police Officer facing a drug possession charge has defended himself on Facebook.
Staff Sergeant Todd Bertrend was arrested Tuesday and charged with possession of prescription drugs for the purpose of trafficking. Ottawa Police assisted in the investigation. Sources say Bertrend was arrested while on duty in Brockville.
In a Facebook post published Thursday, Bertrend said he was addicted to painkillers.
"I have suffered two major spinal injuries, both while performing my professional duties. A short while ago, I was prescribed a pain killer for sciatic discomfort. I became addicted to this pain killer and my prescription stopped giving me any relief. I then found a way to obtain more which was a bad idea," he said.
Bertrend said he has never given away or sold any drugs, but added the way the law is designed police had no choice but to lay a charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
"When I was caught, there was a sense of relief because the methods I had tried to ween myself off were unsuccessful," he said in the post.
Bertrend adds he has not taken any painkillers for three days.
The post is no longer publicly visible.
Bertrend has been suspended from his duties with pay, as per the Police Services Act.
He’s scheduled to appear in an Ottawa courtroom February 8.