Pubdate: Sat, 17 Sep 2005
Source: Northern Territory News (Australia)
Copyright: 2005 Northern Territory News
Contact:  http://ntnews.news.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/283
Author: Eric Tlozek
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)

MORE SOLDIERS TEST POSITIVE FOR DRUGS

MORE Territory soldiers have tested positive for drug use.

The soldiers, from Robertson Barracks near Darwin, are believed to have 
tested positive to cannabis and ecstasy.

The Northern Territory News understands several soldiers stationed at the 
barracks returned positive samples after drug tests earlier this month.

The soldiers could face disciplinary action or be forced to leave the army.

A Defence Force spokesman confirmed soldiers were being investigated for 
illicit drug use.

He said 21 soldiers were tested and the army was continuing investigations 
into the alleged drug-taking.

"Defence can confirm the army is investigating drug use by soldiers from 
Robertson Barracks," he said.

"It would be inappropriate for Defence to comment further until the 
investigation is finished."

No one from 1st Brigade would discuss the case when contacted for comment 
yesterday.

Raids by NT and military police at Robertson Barracks in 2003 found 
evidence many soldiers were using cannabis, amphetamines and ecstasy.

Ninety-seven soldiers were tested for drug use and 47 returned positive 
samples for cannabis, amphetamines and opiates.

The army introduced a random testing program last year to combat 
drug-taking by promising one in 10 soldiers would be tested every year.

More than 6400 soldiers were tested last year, with some from Robertson 
Barracks returning positive results.

Last year police were concerned weapons missing from the barracks could 
have been stolen from the barracks could be sold to feed soldiers' drug 
habits and reach organised crime syndicates.

Two Steyr automatic rifles, a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition were 
among the missing weapons.
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman