DETECTIVES are investigating after The Argus

discovered fake drug squad identity badges being sold on the internet.

Officers will contact the eBay auction site after we found the replica warrant card inserts with the words "Sussex Police Drug Enforcement Unit" on them being sold for £3.50.

The seller, in Bognor, makes it clear the items are not genuine but police believe they could be misused.

Warrant cards are the primary source of ID for a police officer and enable them to make an arrest on or off duty.

Under the 1996 Police Act it is an offence to impersonate a police officer, wear a police uniform calculated to deceive or possess an article of police uniform.

The Act specifically says extra weight is given to cases where possession of a piece of police uniform is held for financial gain.

The Crown Prosecution Service said: "Where the impersonation involves a threat to the safety of any person, or to property, or is done with a view to financial gain, then a prosecution should follow."

The eBay seller, Event Security Supplies, has used eBay since June 2005 and is registered as a business seller.

The company is also selling warrant card inserts for Hampshire Police, police caution cards and ambulance ID tags.

Event Security Supplies has a good eBay sales record with positive feedback from more than 500 people who have bought items.

It says on the site: "This auction is for a one-colour printed plastic card. The base card colour is silver and the print is black.

"I have a total of five of these cards and there will be no more once supplies are exhausted."

It is claimed none of the items can be used to impersonate an officer.

Sussex Police said: "Officers will be in contact with eBay to discuss the items on sale.

"Although the seller clearly states that the item is not a genuine Sussex Police item, it could be potentially misused."