Pubdate: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 Source: Evening Standard (London, UK) Copyright: 2002 Associated Newspapers Ltd. Contact: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/914 DRUG PROBE INTO US AIRMEN Twenty-seven American airmen based in England are at the centre of an investigation into the use and distribution of illegal drugs. United States Air Officials say a four-month investigation has "provided evidence" that the servicemen might have been involved in the "use, possession, and distribution" of drugs including ecstasy and marijuana. All those under investigation are stationed at the US air force base at Lakenheath, Suffolk, one of the biggest American fighter bases outside the US. Major Francisco Hamm, chief of public affairs at the Lakenheath base, said those under investigation were aged from 19 to 30 and ranged in rank from airman to staff sergeant. It is not known if any of the 27 are pilots - although some of those being investigated are assigned to the 493rd fighter squadron. Major Hamm said evidence had been gathered during a four-month long "counter narcotics" investigation involving the Ministry of Defence Police and US security forces. "The operation provided evidence that 27 USAF active duty members from RAF Lakenheath may have been involved in the use, possession, and distribution of controlled substances," he said. "The investigation of these individuals is still on going. The drugs involved include ecstasy and marijuana." Those under investigation were still working at the base. Other squadrons involved were the: 48th Security Forces Squadron, 48th Communications Squadron, 48th Medical Support Squadron, 48th Component Maintenance Squadron and 48th Civil Engineer Squadron. Major Hamm said the USAF operated a zero tolerance drugs policy and servicemen and women were regularly drug tested. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh