McQ breaks into Santiago's office but is cornered by Santiago and his men. Santiago reveals that the drugs his men stole had turned out to be only powdered sugar. The real drugs, evidence in major and minor cases and investigations, was replaced over time with the sugar. Obviously this could only have been done by key corrupt members of the department. McQ also realizes that Santiago was not responsible for Boyle's death. Knowing McQ is not a threat, Santiago lets him go, though he beats him brutally as payback for the earlier assault.