POSITIVE DRUG TESTS LEAD TO 8 SAILORS BEING OUSTED FROM LIBYAN MISSION

Eight Canadian sailors tested positive for illicit drugs and were
booted off a naval vessel before it arrived in Libya as part of the
military action in that country, the Canadian Forces said Friday.

All 235 crew members on HMCS Charlottetown were tested 48 hours before
the ship's departure date, but results were not in until the ship was
en route to Libya.

Navy spokeswoman Lieutenant Heather McDonald said the sailors were
dispatched at the first port of call and were immediately replaced.
She could not specify which drugs were flagged, but said all eight
will "undergo an administrative review on a case-by-case basis."

Penalties could range from mandatory counselling and probation to
discharge.