Pubdate: Wed, 09 Jan 2002 Source: Stars and Stripes - Pacific Edition (Asia) Copyright: 2002 Stars and Stripes Contact: http://www.pstripes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1511 Note: LTEs require name, APO address and phone number. Author: Greg Tyler, Sasebo bureau chief Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy) NAVY TO USE NEW, TOUGHER TEST IN BATTLE AGAINST CLUB DRUG ECSTASY SASEBO NAVAL BASE, Japan -- The Navy is cracking down on the use of the club drug Ecstasy. Starting this month, the Navy is implementing a new drug test, which includes a screening reagent that is three times more sensitive than old tests at detecting methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). MDMA orignally was developed to curb appetites. But it's known as a euphoric drug that softens a user's ego and heightens feelings of empathy. Scientists believe it can damage nerve receptors in the brain and exacerbate heart problems. Ecstasy use increased the past year, according to officials at the Naval Station Pearl Harbor Counseling and Assistance Center. "Any type of drug abuse detected among active-duty members is considered to be a big problem for the Navy," a Commander Naval Forces Japan spokesman said Friday. "CNFJ and its subordinate commands are working diligently through education, detection and deterrence to prevent future incidents of drug abuse." The new test, which eventually will be employed in all Department of Defense drug-screening labs, expands the window of opportunity to detect Ecstasy. Old tests could detect club drugs within 24-48 hours after use. The new test expands that window by another 24 to 48 hours. "As new drugs and different forms of old drugs continue to appear, Navy policy and enforcement techniques will adapt to these changes," Chief of Naval Operations Rear Adm. Vern Clark said in a message to the troops in December. "Sailors who choose to use drugs break faith with our core values ... they will get caught, disciplined as appropriate and processes for admin separation." The Navy conducts random urinalysis tests on all active-duty personnel. A random list of names is generated by computer, the CNFJ spokesman said. The names are distributed to respective departments, and a test site is staffed with trained personnel to oversee and manage the testing. The test is administered in the presence of a witness, and samples are sealed and secured before delivery to the lab. Within 10 to 21 days, test results are sent to the command. According to CNFJ, mandatory urinalysis may be conducted in the following circumstances: Inspections Search and seizure Competency for duty is questioned Mishap or safety investigations When ordered by medical personnel for medical reasons "Strange behavior that does not rise to the level of misconduct may trigger urinalysis testing if an individual's ability or competency to stand duty is impaired," the CNFJ spokesman said. At the urinalysis lab, three tests are performed to ensure an accurate result. "However, the laboratory will re-test the sample if they receive a request from the commanding officer of the unit," said Lt. Vanessa Hopgood, Sasebo Naval Base's Navy Judge Advocate. "Other than the re-test, the member may be able to challenge the results at an administrative board or court-martial if the command that collected the sample did not use proper urinalysis procedures, or if the member believes they innocently ingested the drug." If a sailor tests positive for Ecstasy, their chance of staying in the Navy are "slim to none," Hopgood said. The maximum penalty a servicemember faces for Ecstasy use is trial by a general court-martial. The maximum punishment depends on the charges. Distribution of the drug subjects the servicemember to higher punishment levels. "Distribution can be as simple as passing a joint to another person," Hopgood said. "To make a case for distribution, there need not have been any money involved at all." The use of Ecstasy without any aggravating factors can result in five years' confinement, a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances and reduction to the rank of E-1, she said. For more information about Ecstasy, go to the Web site at http://navdweb.spawar.navy.mil and access the link "drugs of abuse." - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager