CHEAP AFGHAN DRUGS WORRY MILITARY COPS

Canadian soldiers patrolling in Afghanistan are at a "very high" risk of
using local drugs thanks to rock-bottom prices, says a military criminal
intelligence report. A July 2003 military police criminal intelligence
program interim report, obtained by the Sun under Access to Information,
warns that deploying soldiers to a leading drug-producing country like
Afghanistan on Operation Athena could produce "nightmares."

The Canadian Forces' national investigation service rated "... the risk of
CF members' involvement in illicit drug activities while deployed to OP
Athena as high to very high," the intelligence report says.

TONNES OF OPIUM

Afghanistan is the world's largest hash exporter and recently became the
world's top supplier of opium.

The report points out that 2,200 tonnes of opium are cultivated annually in
Afghanistan, representing 73% of the world's total production.

"Further, the deployment to, and CF operations in, a leading drug source
country, provide a number of hypothetical 'nightmares' for commanders on
the ground and MP (military police) tasked to investigate any incidents
that arise ...," the report says.

The report also raises a red flag over a legal Afghan chewing tobacco
called nasuar, which is made of hash.

"Soldiers interviewed with regards to the use of nasuar state the taste of
the substance is an 'acquired one,' " the report says.

$1 A GRAM

Canadian soldiers working at observation posts are approached by young
children and offered roughly a gram of nasuar for about $1 US, military
intelligence says.

"Larger amounts are offered and sold by the young children's older
siblings," the report says.

Capt. Mark Giles, spokesman for the military's national investigation
service, said he couldn't comment on whether there are ongoing
investigations of soldiers using drugs in Afghanistan.

The intelligence report also says drug investigations in Canada are sapping
resources and many bases don't have the staff to battle drugs.

"Most base/wing/formation military police units are unable to dedicate any
proactive response to the increase in reported drug activity due to reduced
manpower and limited drug expertise."