AIR FORCE DRUG LAB OFFICIAL REMOVED

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- A top manager has been removed from his post at an
Air Force drug lab that processes random drug screens for hundreds of
thousands of airmen each year.

Alex Hatzis is accused of failing to follow proper procedures at the
lab at Brooks Air Force Base, Capt. Dawn M.K. Zoldi, an Air Force
legal adviser, said in Saturday's San Antonio Express-News.

Despite the claim, Air Force officials said no one has been falsely
accused of failing a drug test.

In its "notice of removal" filed against Hatzis, the Air Force accused
him of "deliberate destruction and falsification of forensic
laboratory records."

While denying claims that he destroyed documentation, Hatzis declined
to discuss his actions. He has not been charged with any crimes, but
faces dismissal from the Air Force.

Legal fallout might have already occurred as a result of problems at
the lab. Two weeks ago, a court-martial against Tech. Sgt. Chalmers
Addison was dropped by the commander of Barksdale Air Force Base in
Bossier City, La.

Prosecutors said Addison had used marijuana, and the allegation was
based on a urine test done by a section of the lab overseen by Hatzis
until his removal in December.

Barksdale officials said Friday the dismissal was based on
insufficient evidence in Addison's case, and not because of any lack
of confidence in the drug testing program.

Tests done by Hatzis' group are used in all Air Force disciplinary
actions. The tests confirm previous drug screens done by the lab and
can trigger a court-martial and even expulsion from the military.

"It could be an issue," Zoldi conceded when asked if test results
might be challenged as a result of the allegations against Hatzis.
"But, again, every case stands on its own merit and the Air Force
stands behind their test results 110 percent."