U. S. SOLDIERS PROBED ON ILLEGAL DRUG USE

An official of the United States embassy confirmed yesterday that a
number of American soldiers taking part in the ongoing Balikatan joint
military exercise are being investigated for use of prohibited drugs.

This, after at least 10 suspected drug pushers were arrested from Feb.
26 to March 2 inside the Clark special economic zone where the US
soldiers are billeted.

Joseph Mussomeli, charge d'affaires of the US embassy, said in an
interview in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan that the investigation is a
joint effort of Philippine drug enforcement agencies and the US Drug
Enforcement Agency (USDEA).

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), together with the USDEA
and the US Naval Criminal Investigative Services, conducted the drug
buy-busts in Clark Field after receiving reports that illegal drugs
such as shabu and marijuana were being sold to a number of US
servicemen billeted at the former US military base.

Mussomeli said US servicemen found guilty of using illegal drugs will
face the full consequences.

"If it turns out that US military personnel have been involved in
drugs, then they will suffer the consequences just as anyone else
would," he said.