DRUG PROBE INTO US AIRMEN

Twenty-seven American airmen based in England are at the centre of an
investigation into the use and distribution of illegal drugs.

United States Air Officials say a four-month investigation has "provided
evidence" that the servicemen might have been involved in the "use,
possession, and distribution" of drugs including ecstasy and marijuana.

All those under investigation are stationed at the US air force base at
Lakenheath, Suffolk, one of the biggest American fighter bases outside the
US.

Major Francisco Hamm, chief of public affairs at the Lakenheath base, said
those under investigation were aged from 19 to 30 and ranged in rank from
airman to staff sergeant.

It is not known if any of the 27 are pilots - although some of those being
investigated are assigned to the 493rd fighter squadron.

Major Hamm said evidence had been gathered during a four-month long "counter
narcotics" investigation involving the Ministry of Defence Police and US
security forces.

"The operation provided evidence that 27 USAF active duty members from RAF
Lakenheath may have been involved in the use, possession, and distribution
of controlled substances," he said.

"The investigation of these individuals is still on going. The drugs
involved include ecstasy and marijuana."

Those under investigation were still working at the base. Other squadrons
involved were the: 48th Security Forces Squadron, 48th Communications
Squadron, 48th Medical Support Squadron, 48th Component Maintenance Squadron
and 48th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Major Hamm said the USAF operated a zero tolerance drugs policy and
servicemen and women were regularly drug tested.