A senior RCMP officer in British Columbia has been arrested and suspended from the force for allegedly stealing cocaine from police drug exhibits.

Staff Sgt. Stuart Seib, commander of RCMP's Merritt, B.C., detachment, has been charged with theft. Investigators say additional charges are expected as the investigation continues. The RCMP allege Seib stole and used cocaine from drug exhibits on more than one occasion.

Chief Supt. Mike Sekela said police became aware of the alleged theft last week after Seib confided in another officer.

An investigation was immediately launched and Seib, an 18-year veteran of the force, has been suspended with pay. That may change after an upcoming review of his suspension.

"The process is underway to proceed with a recommendation that the member be suspended without pay," Sekela said at a news conference in Chilliwack, B.C. Wednesday.

"I understand that news like this is very concerning," Sekela said. "As the officer in charge of all of the detachments in the southeast district, these actions do not meet my expectations or those of the public."

Sekela said his senior management team has met with other employees of the Merritt detachment and community leaders to discuss the situation.

Seib joined the Merritt detachment in November.

"While the alleged actions of this member are extremely troubling, they are clearly not representative of the high moral and ethical standards of the vast majority of the members of the RCMP," Sekela said.