Houston cops allegedly ran cocaine

HOUSTON, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Two Houston police officers charged with alleged drug smuggling were granted release on bond Monday, federal prosecutors said.

The officers, who were charged when they showed up to work Sunday, are accused of taking $1,000 apiece to help protect a load of cocaine being smuggled into the city for distribution. If convicted, they face a potential life sentence without parole, prosecutors told The Houston Chronicle.

Both officers, Emerson Canizales and Michael Miceli, are 26 and joined the force in September 2010, the paper said. They have been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the case.