Pubdate: Wed, 08 May 2002 Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA) Copyright: 2002 Union-Tribune Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.uniontrib.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386 Author: Jeff McDonald 13 SAILORS ON CARRIER NIMITZ ARRESTED IN METH, ECSTASY CASE Navy investigators have arrested 13 sailors assigned to the San Diego-based aircraft carrier Nimitz on suspicion of using and distributing methamphetamine and Ecstasy, military officials said yesterday.The Naval Criminal Investigative Service confirmed the arrests, but officials declined to release many details about the case. Navy spokesman Cmdr. David Koontz said all suspects "have been returned to the custody of their command" while the investigation is under way, but he was unable to say whether the sailors were back aboard the Nimitz.No information was available about what quantities of illegal drugs were found. It also was unclear how long the investigation might take or what penalties the suspects face if they are found guilty."These sailors are suspected of use, possession and distribution of Ecstasy and methamphetamine," said Cmdr. Jack Papp of the Naval Air Force U.S. Pacific Fleet. "Due to privacy considerations, we won't release their names."Papp declined to identify the suspects but said they worked in the weapons department aboard the carrier and were assigned duties ranging from aviation ordnance to maintenance and supply.Navy officials downplayed the incidence of drug use among sailors, noting they have a zero-tolerance policy and test randomly for illegal drug use. "The problem with drugs has diminished significantly," Koontz said. "The message is very clear throughout the force that drugs are not to be tolerated."The carrier arrived in its new home port of San Diego in November, following a three-year overhaul and refueling of its nuclear reactors in Norfolk, Va. - --- MAP posted-by: Alex