US Policemen Sue Over Drug-spiked Burgers

Two US police officers are suing Burger King after they were served hamburgers that had been spiked with marijuana.

The officers, Mark Landavazo and Henry Gabaldon, were in uniform and travelling in a marked police car when they bought the burgers from a drive-through Burger King in Los Lunas, New Mexico, last month.

They ate around half their meals before realising that marijuana had been sprinkled on the meat.

The officers, from the Isleta Pueblo tribal police, used a field test kit to confirm what the substance was before going to hospital for medical examinations.

Three Burger King employees - Justin Armijo, 19, Robert Nuckols, 21, and 33-year-old manager Joseph Ledesma - were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and aggravated battery on an officer.

The officers are now seeking damages from Burger King, alleging personal injury, negligence, battery and violation of fair practices.

"It gives a whole new meaning to the word 'Whopper', their lawyer, Sam Bregman, said.

"The idea that these hoodlums would put marijuana into a hamburger, and therefore attempt to impair law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs, is outrageous."

The incident has caught the imagination of US television entertainers including the comedian Jay Leno - but Mr Bregman said it was "deadly serious".

"God forbid these officers didn't realise their burgers were laced with pot and then were called to a violent situation where they'd have to draw their firearms," he said. "Their lives were placed in danger because of these idiots and Burger King."

Officials at the Miami-based fast food company declined to comment.