Internet in splits as New Orleans top cop says rats invading headquarters are 'all high' from munching on confiscated marijuana

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: New Orleans authorities dropped a bombshell during a press conference recently as it was disclosed that rats were behind the disappearance of confiscated marijuana from the headquarters' evidence room.

The rundown building is also swarming with cockroaches, mold, broken elevators, and bathrooms that are out of commission, as told by Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick at a Criminal Justice Committee meeting, as per USA Today. 

New Orleans Police Department headquarters poses serious health risks to the employees

During a committee meeting, Kirkpatrick claimed, "The rats are eating our marijuana. They’re all high," referring to the rodents sneaking into the evidence room and snacking on the marijuana stash.

She mentioned that the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) headquarters is dealing with a serious rodent and cockroach problem, creating unpleasant working conditions. Moreover, rodent droppings on desks, maintenance issues, and hazardous mold infestations pose health risks to the employees. 

Kirkpatrick admitted that potential recruits aren't brought to the headquarters because of its poor condition, which can be a "huge turnoff" for them from joining the force.

She emphasized the need for action, saying, "When we say we value our employees, you can't say that, and at the same time, allow people to work in conditions that are not acceptable."

Kirkpatrick proposed relocating the police headquarters to a downtown high-rise building temporarily for the next decade until a permanent space is secured, as detailed by PEOPLE Magazine.

CBS reported that following Kirkpatrick's revelations about the infestation problems at the headquarters, city council members approved a lease agreement for a new building, costing $670,000 a month.

Gilbert Montano, the Chief Administrative Officer, explained that the move is more cost-effective than repairing the current building.

He further expressed, "In all honesty, I foresee that most of the criminal justice agencies will probably have to be temporarily housed because as we continue to address these old decrepit buildings, it’s just going to get worse and worse."

Kirkpatrick highlighted the extent of the problem, stating via Nola.com, "It is not just at police headquarters. It is all the districts. The uncleanliness is off the charts. The janitorial cleaning deserves an award for trying to clean what is uncleanable."

Internet weighs in on New Orleans Police Department's rat infestation problem

One wrote, "Let me share a concept with you lady: rat traps," and another remarked, "This looks like a comedy!"

"OMG. This is hilarious - not the money part - but the visual I get with stoned rats running around," expressed a person, while someone else said, "This is the dumbest thing I have ever heard, and I've heard ALOT."

An individual joked, "Welcome to Government in the USA, where we let the RATS take over," and another chimed in, "Sounds like someone is stealing from evidence and blaming stoner rats."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.