EX-MILITARY MAN FACES DRUG RAP

A former top military spokesman who also worked for cabinet minister David
Collenette has been charged with possession of 40 kg of marijuana.

Stephen Wills, 45, was also arrested for the possession of a small amount
of cocaine. Police said the drugs were worth $180,000.

OPP Sr. Const. Neil Fennell told the Sun police entered a home in Clayton,
near Almonte, last Thursday with a search warrant and later charged Wills
with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Wills was seconded from the military for two years to work for Collenette
when he served as defence minister in 1995-96.

He returned to the military in 1997 as the director of air force public
affairs and retired in August after 20 years service.

Wills served as Collenette's top spokesman during the height of the Somalia
inquiry. In particular, he addressed a number of issues on corruption on
behalf of the minister and often defended the conduct of the military brass.

Collenette said yesterday he had not been briefed on Wills' case, but
defended him.

"He performed his duties in a very competent and professional manner in
difficult circumstances," said Collenette.

Wills has been released and is to appear in court Nov. 1.