33 KICKED OUT OF MILITARY FOR DRUGS

Twenty-four soldiers and nine sailors have been thrown out of the
Australian Defence Force for abusing drugs.

The terminations followed drug raids at the Territory-based 1 Brigade which
prompted a nationwide crackdown on drug abuse in the Australian military ranks.

Other dismissals are likely to follow. Chief of Army Lieutenant General
Peter Leahy said Territory and military police conducted the joint drugs
operation at Robertson Barracks outside Darwin late last year with 97
soldiers tested and 47 producing positive results out of 3,598 personnel.
He said the soldiers were found to have been using cannabis,
benzodiazepines, amphetamines and opiates with some testing positive for
more than one. ``Twenty-four of the soldiers, who tested positive, will be
discharged and there is a decision pending for 19 other soldiers,'' he told
a Senate estimates committee General Leahy said the 19 had been given
notice to show cause why they should not be discharged and some would be
contesting that notice. ``Some of that 19 may be retained.'' Four soldiers
who tested positive have been allowed to stay. General Leahy said the four
would have formal warnings placed in their files, making it clear any
further involvement with drugs would result in their dismissal. He said
they face continual drug education and were liable for further urinalysis
and testing of their drug status. General Leahy said the drug use at
Robertson came to light when one soldier expressed concern about another
soldier using drugs. ``Essentially the soldier said `enough _ we don't want
this bloke here. What can you do about him','' he said. ``That then turned
into the major investigation.''