Action on drugs at Woodside

ELEVEN soldiers will face further drug tests after a search of Woodside Barracks as part of the Army’s clamp down on the use of prohibited substances.

In a combined operation by South Australian Police and Military Police, on July 17 accommodation blocks were searched and 41 soldiers were tested in line with the Army’s zero tolerance policy on illicit drugs.

Thirty soldiers returned a negative result but the initial urinalysis samples of the other 11 were identified for further laboratory analysis. If the soldiers are found to have tested positive to illegal drugs they will be asked to show why they should remain in the Army.

South Australian police issued drug diversion notices relating to the possession of amphetamines to three of the 11 soldiers.
CO 16 AD Regt Lt-Col Inger Lawes said SA Police were asked to assist with the operation following police intelligence that some soldiers from the regiment may be involved in drug-related activities.

“The combined state and military police operation is a further example of the Army’s commitment to eliminating illegal drug use from its ranks. The use of illegal drugs has no place in the Australian Army and we will continue to action against soldiers who use them,” Lt-Col Lawes said.

“Illegal drug use undermines Army’s core values of teamwork and courage, and illegal drug users are placing themselves and their mates at risk. Drug users also pose a risk to safety and security.”