Police officer accepts plea deal in drug case

MIAMI (WSVN) -- A former Miami-Dade Police officer faced a judge in court, Wednesday.

Joey Ganem pleaded guilty to cocaine possession. The 27-year veteran was off duty in an unmarked police car when he was caught buying drugs in Coconut Grove last year.

As part of the plea deal, a judge ordered him to give up his certification as an officer. "Mr. Ganem is held to a higher standard. It is so sad for our community and for Mr. Ganem, who spent 27 years as a sworn officer, to think that his career has ended this way," said Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Ellen Sue Venzer.

Ganem was sentenced to two years probation, and he must also pay fines.

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