Finnish state prosecutors will launch an investigation into some members of the Helsinki Drug Squad, who are suspected of malfeasance, Finnish news agency STT reported on Monday.

But about 20 persons of the drug squad took sick-leave last Friday. The squad has about 35 members.

Jari Aarnio, Chief Inspector of the Helsinki Drug Squad, fears that the mass sick-out could hamper the investigation of serious drug cases.

Before the sudden bouts of illness, the drug police had been informed by Finnish State Prosecutor Ari-Pekka Koivisto that a decision would be coming soon on whether or not there is reason to suspect illegal activities among the drug police, said STT.

Last spring suspicions were aroused that the drug police had established close relationship with certain criminal groups. The police had agreed to overlook crimes committed by those in the criminal underground giving tip-off in drugs.