SOLDIERS ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES

EDMONTON - Three members of the Canadian army stationed at
Edmonton Garrison have been arrested for trafficking in drugs
including marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy and methamphetamine.

The arrests were made Tuesday and Wednesday by the Canadian Forces
National Investigation Service's drug enforcement team following a
four-month investigation by both military and civilian police, said
army spokesman Capt. Mark Giles.

"We're not dealing with huge amounts," he said.

"But obviously small amounts or large amounts, it's a serious concern
to us. We need our troops to be prepared for operational deployment,
and drug activity is not conducive to that."

Hundreds of Edmonton-based soldiers have served in both Bosnia and
Afghanistan over the last few years, but Giles said there is no
evidence any trafficking took place during an overseas deployment.

Teams from the National Investigation Service, the Forces' major
crimes unit, are continuing to interview people at Edmonton Garrison.
The names of the soldiers and have not been released.

They were all members of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group,
front-line soldiers responsible for armoured fighting vehicles.

The soldiers have been removed from any access to weapons or heavy
equipment. Whether they will be relieved of all duties or confined is
up to their immediate commanding officer, said Col. Tim Grant, who
commands 1 CMBG.