Pubdate: Wed, 18 Feb 2004 Source: Northern Territory News (Australia) Copyright: 2004 Northern Territory News Contact: http://ntnews.news.com.au/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/283 33 KICKED OUT OF MILITARY FOR DRUGS Twenty-four soldiers and nine sailors have been thrown out of the Australian Defence Force for abusing drugs. The terminations followed drug raids at the Territory-based 1 Brigade which prompted a nationwide crackdown on drug abuse in the Australian military ranks. Other dismissals are likely to follow. Chief of Army Lieutenant General Peter Leahy said Territory and military police conducted the joint drugs operation at Robertson Barracks outside Darwin late last year with 97 soldiers tested and 47 producing positive results out of 3,598 personnel. He said the soldiers were found to have been using cannabis, benzodiazepines, amphetamines and opiates with some testing positive for more than one. ``Twenty-four of the soldiers, who tested positive, will be discharged and there is a decision pending for 19 other soldiers,'' he told a Senate estimates committee General Leahy said the 19 had been given notice to show cause why they should not be discharged and some would be contesting that notice. ``Some of that 19 may be retained.'' Four soldiers who tested positive have been allowed to stay. General Leahy said the four would have formal warnings placed in their files, making it clear any further involvement with drugs would result in their dismissal. He said they face continual drug education and were liable for further urinalysis and testing of their drug status. General Leahy said the drug use at Robertson came to light when one soldier expressed concern about another soldier using drugs. ``Essentially the soldier said `enough _ we don't want this bloke here. What can you do about him','' he said. ``That then turned into the major investigation.'' - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart