Troops busted for drug use

[Tom]

MORE Northern Territory soldiers have tested positive for drug use.

 

The soldiers, from Robertson Barracks near Darwin, are believed to have tested positive to cannabis and ecstasy.

The Northern Territory News understands several soldiers stationed at the barracks returned positive samples after drug tests earlier this month.

 

The soldiers could face disciplinary action or be forced to leave the army.

 

A Defence Force spokesman confirmed soldiers were being investigated for illicit drug use.

 

He said 21 soldiers were tested and the army was continuing investigations into the alleged drug-taking.

 

"Defence can confirm the army is investigating drug use by soldiers from Robertson Barracks," he said.

"It would be inappropriate for Defence to comment further until the investigation is finished."

 

No one from 1st Brigade would discuss the case when contacted for comment yesterday.

 

Raids by NT and military police at Robertson Barracks in 2003 found evidence many soldiers were using cannabis, amphetamines and ecstasy.

 

Ninety-seven soldiers were tested for drug use and 47 returned positive samples for cannabis, amphetamines and opiates.

 

The army introduced a random testing program last year to combat drug-taking by promising one in 10 soldiers would be tested every year.

 

More than 6400 soldiers were tested last year, with some from Robertson Barracks returning positive results.

 

Last year police were concerned weapons missing from the barracks could have been stolen from the barracks could be sold to feed soldiers' drug habits and reach organised crime syndicates.

 

Two Steyr automatic rifles, a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition were among the missing weapons.

 

Author:Eric Tlozek

Date:September 17, 2005

Source:News Limited

Copyright:2005 News Limited.

 

[Pickle]

Poor buggers, all pressure, no relief.

 

When the government wants to give them drugs it's not a problem.