ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - A decorated 13-year veteran of the Niagara Regional Police faces drug charges after U.S. border agents in Buffalo seized more than $580,000 worth of testosterone, steroids, growth hormone, Valium and Xanax on April 5.

Const. Geoffrey Purdie is charged with conspiracy to export controlled substances with intent to distribute them.

Purdie, who received a chief's commendation in 2007 and volunteers in the community, was released from custody on a promise to return to the U.S. for a court date that has yet to be set.

He has been suspended from duty with pay.

Acting police chief Joe Matthews said he couldn't comment on the substance of the investigation, including whether the police force was involved in the investigation.

"This is a very unfortunate circumstance and these are very, very serious charges," Matthews said. "There is a process to followed, and we will hold our officers accountable with the understanding that the officer in question is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty."