NAVY TO USE NEW, TOUGHER TEST IN BATTLE AGAINST CLUB DRUG ECSTASY

SASEBO NAVAL BASE, Japan -- The Navy is cracking down on the use of the
club drug Ecstasy.

Starting this month, the Navy is implementing a new drug test, which
includes a screening reagent that is three times more sensitive than old
tests at detecting methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).

MDMA orignally was developed to curb appetites. But it's known as a
euphoric drug that softens a user's ego and heightens feelings of empathy.
Scientists believe it can damage nerve receptors in the brain and
exacerbate heart problems.

Ecstasy use increased the past year, according to officials at the Naval
Station Pearl Harbor Counseling and Assistance Center.

"Any type of drug abuse detected among active-duty members is considered to
be a big problem for the Navy," a Commander Naval Forces Japan spokesman
said Friday. "CNFJ and its subordinate commands are working diligently
through education, detection and deterrence to prevent future incidents of
drug abuse."

The new test, which eventually will be employed in all Department of
Defense drug-screening labs, expands the window of opportunity to detect
Ecstasy. Old tests could detect club drugs within 24-48 hours after use.
The new test expands that window by another 24 to 48 hours.

"As new drugs and different forms of old drugs continue to appear, Navy
policy and enforcement techniques will adapt to these changes," Chief of
Naval Operations Rear Adm. Vern Clark said in a message to the troops in
December. "Sailors who choose to use drugs break faith with our core values
... they will get caught, disciplined as appropriate and processes for
admin separation."

The Navy conducts random urinalysis tests on all active-duty personnel. A
random list of names is generated by computer, the CNFJ spokesman said. The
names are distributed to respective departments, and a test site is staffed
with trained personnel to oversee and manage the testing.

The test is administered in the presence of a witness, and samples are
sealed and secured before delivery to the lab. Within 10 to 21 days, test
results are sent to the command.

According to CNFJ, mandatory urinalysis may be conducted in the following
circumstances:

Inspections Search and seizure Competency for duty is questioned Mishap or
safety investigations When ordered by medical personnel for medical reasons

"Strange behavior that does not rise to the level of misconduct may trigger
urinalysis testing if an individual's ability or competency to stand duty
is impaired," the CNFJ spokesman said.

At the urinalysis lab, three tests are performed to ensure an accurate result.

"However, the laboratory will re-test the sample if they receive a request
from the commanding officer of the unit," said Lt. Vanessa Hopgood, Sasebo
Naval Base's Navy Judge Advocate.

"Other than the re-test, the member may be able to challenge the results at
an administrative board or court-martial if the command that collected the
sample did not use proper urinalysis procedures, or if the member believes
they innocently ingested the drug."

If a sailor tests positive for Ecstasy, their chance of staying in the Navy
are "slim to none," Hopgood said.

The maximum penalty a servicemember faces for Ecstasy use is trial by a
general court-martial. The maximum punishment depends on the charges.

Distribution of the drug subjects the servicemember to higher punishment
levels.

"Distribution can be as simple as passing a joint to another person,"
Hopgood said. "To make a case for distribution, there need not have been
any money involved at all."

The use of Ecstasy without any aggravating factors can result in five
years' confinement, a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and
allowances and reduction to the rank of E-1, she said.

For more information about Ecstasy, go to the Web site at
http://navdweb.spawar.navy.mil and access the link "drugs of abuse."