SOLDIERS SWAP GUNS FOR DRUGS

Darwin-based soldiers are suspected of swapping guns and military
equipment for drugs, it was revealed last night.

Police believe 1st Brigade soldiers from Palmerston's Robertson
Barracks may have sourced drugs from organised crime groups. The
weapons went missing from Roberston Barracks at Palmerston last year.
They include two Steyr automatic rifles, a semi-automatic pistol and
ammunition. Police fear the weapons could be in the hands of crime
syndicates. The connection to organised crime was uncovered after a
joint-investigation between NT Police and the Department of Defence.
Territory police confirmed to the Northern Territory News last night
the gun swapping was part of their investigation. Commander George
Owens said the link was ``indirect''. ``The weapons were stolen and of
course we are concerned as to where they end up,'' he said. The
undercover operation at Robertson Barracks resulted in 97 soldiers
being tested for drugs. The test results shocked the military, with 47
returning positive results for drugs including marijuana, speed,
ecstasy and opiates. More than 3000 military personnel either live or
work at Robertson Barracks. 1st Brigade declined to comment last night.

NT Police Commander George Owen said the objective of the sting
operation, which included an undercover policeman infiltrating 1st
Brigade, was to identify military personnel who were using, selling or
supplying illegal drugs. ``We were also interested in where these
people were sourcing these from and as to whether there was a
connection with organised crime,'' he told The Bulletin magazine in an
interview to be published today. ``The source of the drugs in some
circumstance came from organised crime groups, yes,'' he said. Police
are concerned the missing guns may have been traded with crime groups
for drugs. ``That's a real concern for us _ that these weapons have
gone into the wrong hands,'' Cdr Owens said. ``It's a concern because
organised crime groups are always trying to get their hands on weapons.''