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.