Pubdate: Mon, 19 Apr 2004 Source: Pacific Daily News (Guam) Copyright: 2004 Pacific Daily News Contact: http://www.guampdn.com/customerservice/contactus.html Website: http://www.guampdn.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1122 Author: Theresa Merto 20 SAILORS CHARGED IN DRUG BUST Twenty Navy sailors who were stationed on Guam were discharged from the military and/or confined in a detention facility in connection with drug-related charges, according to the Navy. The Navy began its investigation of illegal drug-related activity here after several sailors tested positive for drugs during random drug testing in September, said Lt. Arwen Consaul, Navy public affairs officer. The drugs involved included methamphetamine, marijuana, oxycodone, Ecstasy, Klonopin and Xanax, a Navy press release stated. Consaul said the sailors involved in the drug bust were either stationed on Submarine Squadron 15 or the Navy security forces. "The Navy doesn't tolerate drug use. We thoroughly investigate and we take appropriate action when warranted under the particular facts and circumstances," Consaul said. "We'd like to let people know that illegal drugs are incompatible with the core values of military service and also compromise security and safety." Probe Continues The investigation began in September but official comment on individual charges was withheld to ensure the investigation was not compromised, Consaul said. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Attorney's Office conducted the investigation. "Law enforcement authorities are continuing to evaluate the source of the drugs," Consaul said, adding where the drugs were found, whether on or outside the Navy base, is part of the continuing investigation. Seaman Recruit Michael Didonato; Seaman Recruit Matthew Hoelzle; Seaman Recruit Steven Thurman; Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian Tolk; Petty Officer 3rd Class Bryan Ledbetter; Petty Officer 2nd Class James Fish; Seaman Shane Powell; and Petty Officer 3rd Brandon Letson were charged in connection with the incident. Testing Program "The urinalysis drug testing program -- that played a significant role in exposing the illegal drugs amongst some of the sailors that were found guilty in this drug bust," Consaul said. Powell was indicted by a federal grand jury and pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to distribute controlled substances to military personnel. Powell is scheduled to be sentenced in the U.S. District Court of Guam in June. "Since he violated civilian and military laws, he was tried in federal court," Consaul said. Letson, was found guilty during an April 16 court-martial on charges of distribution and possession of controlled substances. Didonato, Hoelzle, Thurman, Tolk, Ledbetter and Fish pleaded guilty at a court-martial on charges that included possession and distribution of controlled substances, the Navy said. Those who have been sentenced received up to 10 months of confinement, bad conduct discharges, reduction to the lowest enlisted pay-grade and/or forfeiture of pay and allowances, the Navy said. Powell is being held on the island while the other seven sailors are being confined in off-island detention facilities, Consaul said. Consaul said she could not release the names of the remaining 12 sailors because their cases were handled "administratively." Newly assigned personnel replaced those who could no longer perform their duties or were discharged from the service, the Navy said. [SIDEBARS] To The Point Twenty Navy sailors who were stationed on Guam have been discharged and/or confined in connection with drug-related charges. - - Sentencing Seaman Recruit Michael Didonato -- Confinement for seven months, bad conduct discharge Petty Officer 2nd Class James Fish -- Confinement for 30 days, reduction in rank and forfeiture of pay Seaman Recruit Matthew Hoelzle -- Confinement for five months, bad conduct discharge Petty Officer 3rd Class Bryan Ledbetter -- Confinement for five months, bad conduct discharge Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Letson -- Confinement for 10 months, bad conduct discharge Seaman Shane Powell -- Scheduled to be sentenced in the U.S. District Court of Guam in June Seaman Recruit Steven Thurman -- Confinement for 10 months, bad conduct discharge Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian Tolk -- Confinement for 90 days, bad conduct discharge The names of the 12 remaining sailors were not released because their cases were handled "administratively." Lt. Arwen Consaul Navy public affairs officer - - On The Net For more information about the harmful effects of illegal drugs and treatment, log on to www.guampdn.com. - - Illegal Drugs Methamphetamine Methamphetamine, also known as the drug "ice" is an addictive stimulant that strongly activates certain systems in the brain. Immediately after smoking or injection, the user experiences an intense sensation, called a "rush" or "flash," that lasts only a few minutes. After the initial "rush," there is typically a state of high agitation that in some individuals can lead to violent behavior. Other possible immediate effects include increased wakefulness and insomnia, decreased appetite, irritability/aggression, anxiety, nervousness, convulsions and heart attack. Chronic use can cause paranoia, hallucinations, repetitive behavior (such as compulsively cleaning, grooming or disassembling and assembling objects), and delusions of parasites or insects crawling under the skin. Users can obsessively scratch their skin to get rid of these imagined insects. Long-term use, high dosages or both can bring on full-blown toxic psychosis (often exhibited as violent, aggressive behavior). This violent, aggressive behavior is usually coupled with extreme paranoia. Meth can also cause strokes and death. Marijuana Marijuana, the most often used illegal drug in this country, is a product of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. The main active chemical in marijuana, also present in other forms of cannabis, is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). Of the roughly 400 chemicals found in the cannabis plant, THC affects the brain the most. Short-term effects of marijuana include problems with memory and learning, distorted perception, trouble with thinking and problem solving, loss of motor coordination, increased heart rate and anxiety. Marijuana smoke contains some of the same cancer-causing compounds as tobacco, sometimes in higher concentrations. Ecstasy MDMA or Ecstasy is a synthetic drug with amphetamine-like and hallucinogenic properties. It is classified as a stimulant. Ecstasy comes in a tablet form. Short-term effects can include involuntary teeth clenching, a loss of inhibitions, unusual displays of affection, transfixion on sights and sounds, muscle tension, nausea, blurred vision, and chills or sweating. After-effects can include sleep problems, anxiety and depression. Ecstasy can cause severe dehydration, seizures and strokes. It can cause dramatic increases in body temperature and can lead to muscle breakdown, which can cause kidney failure. It can lead to liver and cardiovascular failure, which have been reported in some of the Ecstasy-related fatalities. Oxycodone Oxycodone is the narcotic ingredient found in the pain killer Percocet and is highly addictive. It is available by prescription only and is used to treat moderate to severe pain when around-the-clock analgesic is needed for an extended period of time. The most serious risk is respiratory depression. Common side effects are constipation, nausea, sedation, dizziness, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, sweating, and weakness. Taking a large single dose could cause severe respiratory depression that can lead to death. Source: www.drugfreeamerica.org - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl