After breaching the evidence room of a deteriorating police headquarters in New Orleans, rats consumed confiscated marijuana, ending up in a state of apparent intoxication, Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick disclosed.
In a statement made to city council members on Wednesday, Kirkpatrick highlighted the severe state of disrepair within the ageing premises of the New Orleans Police Department, which facilitated the rodents’ access to the evidence lock-up.
“The rats eating our marijuana, they’re all high,” remarked Kirkpatrick, underscoring the extent of the issue. She further emphasized the deplorable conditions within the building, stating, “The uncleanliness [in the building] is off the charts.”
Instances of rat droppings on officers’ desks were cited by Kirkpatrick, alongside reports of pervasive mold and cockroach infestations within the facility, which has served as the department’s base since 1968.
Ron Harrison, the global technical director for Orkin Pest Control, expressed surprise at the revelation, noting that he had not previously encountered instances of rats consuming marijuana.
Speculating on the potential effects on the rodents, Harrison suggested parallels with human reactions based on the substance’s form and concentration.
He posited, “From understanding the biology of the rat and how it’s somewhat similar to us, I would think based on the amount or concentration they take in, it would be somewhat similar to what humans experience.”
Kirkpatrick also shed light on the detrimental impact of the headquarters’ substandard conditions on staff morale and recruitment efforts.
Broken air-conditioning systems and elevators were cited as challenges faced by demoralized personnel.
Despite these hardships, Kirkpatrick commended the efforts of the department’s cleaning staff, acknowledging their commendable dedication amidst daunting circumstances.
Since assuming her role as chief in October, Kirkpatrick has prioritized securing alternative premises for the department’s 910 officers.
A proposal to allocate $7.6 million (£6.5 million) for a 10-year lease on two floors in a downtown high-rise building is currently under consideration by city councilors, aiming to provide a temporary relocation solution for the beleaguered police headquarters.
(With information from Sky News)
