By Pte John Wellfare
ONLY 47 soldiers out of 1 Bde's more than 3000 personnel have returned a result indicating the use of illicit drugs.

Commander 1 Bde Brig Ash Power said this was about 50 per cent of the 97 soldiers targeted in the October raid on Robertson Barracks for questioning and urinanalysis.

"Whilst the number of soldiers who returned a positive result may seem high, it is important to remember that this was a targeted raid based on intelligence provided by soldiers and was not random," he said.

The operation, conducted by Military Police and Northern Territory police, involved questioning of identified soldiers, searching of residences and urinalysis.

"The operation has been conducted in a very professional and efficient manner," he said.

"Military Police will continue to work closely with the Northern Territory police to investigate drug use within the Army."

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