DRUGS RIFE IN DEFENCE FORCE

Drug use is rife at the NT's army headquarters, it was claimed last night.

Soldiers said marijuana, amphetamines and ecstasy were readily available at
Robertson Barracks in Palmerston.

One private said: "I'd start taking speed on Friday night and stay awake
until Monday morning and then be in charge of a 13 1/2 tonne armoured car."

One soldier has been charged with possession of amphetamines.

Several others are known to be under investigation.

"Military police have been tapping people on the shoulder and leading them
away for urine tests," said one source.

"There is a purge on and the defence force wants to keep it quiet."

The revelation follows drug charges being laid against four soldiers at the
huge army barracks in Townsville, Queensland, last week.

Drugs are being bought from dealers in Darwin and taken into Robertson
Barracks to be sold on, sources said.

"I could make a call on a mobile phone to another member of the Defence
Force and order drugs," a soldier said.

"I could go straight to his room and pick up the supply.

"Or, if he had run out, I'd have to wait for a few hours."

He said one dealer bragged of having a $3500-a-week turnover.

Another said he was selling 80 ecstasy tablets every weekend.

One source said the main drug users were young privates.

"The Defence Force knows that there is a problem but is terrified of any
publicity," he said.

Captain Mark Doggett, of 1 Brigade, confirmed a soldier had been charged by
civilian police with possessing amphetamines.

"There is a policy of zero tolerance on drugs," he said.