Sergeant defends drug officers on trial in racketeering case

A Philadelphia police sergeant is defending six of his former drug unit officers on trial in a sweeping federal racketeering case.

The veteran undercover officers are accused of stealing money and drugs from suspects, planting evidence and lying in court to win convictions.

The defense testimony Wednesday from Sergeant Joseph McCloskey is designed to attack the government’s key witness, former squad member Jeffrey Walker.

McCloskey insists he took part in many of the raids and would have put a stop to any wrongdoing.

One drug dealer has told the jury he was lifted over a balcony and threatened. But McCloskey says he was there — and it didn’t happen.

Walker is cooperating after pleading guilty in the case.

The jury is expected to begin deliberations next week.