Druggies will be caught

If you are taking illegal drugs you will be caught.

That’s the message from the Prohibited Substance Testing Program (PSTP) for all members of the Royal Australian Navy. Early indicators from initial results from the program, introduced on June 16, demonstrate the RAN’s willingness and commitment to testing.

Tests carried out in the RAN over six weeks through to July 31 resulted in three confirmed positive results out of 85 tested.

Over the same time, 14 positive results have emerged out of a total of 284 tested across the ADF.

Although it’s early days for PSTP, Director Personnel Policy Coordination CMDR Peter Ong said, “Members with confirmed positive drug tests will have to leave the Navy, due to ‘zero tolerance’, however, they will be supported during that process by the Royal Australian Navy Alcohol and other Drug Program (RAN ADP).”

There are currently Alcohol and other Drug Program Coordinators (ADPC’s) employed within the RAN ADP program, based at HMAS Kuttabul, HMAS Stirling, HMAS Cerberus and HMAS Albatross.

Contact details for the ADPC’s are as follows:

• The National Manager LCDR Morag Ferguson (08) 95533436
• Southern region ADPC LEUT Rod Gillies (03) 59507432
• Eastern Region ADPC LEUT Samantha Leeming (02) 93593186
• Western Region ADPC LCDR Nicola Blythe (08) 95533519
  
  The references for the RAN Alcohol and other Drug Program are DI(N) PERS 31-9 Management of alcohol and the prevention and management of problematic alcohol use in the RAN, DI(N) PERS 31-51 Alcohol Testing in the RAN, and DI(N) PERS 13-1 Illegal use of drugs and drug education in the RAN.
  
  In addition, DI(G) PERS 15- 4 Alcohol testing in the ADF and DI(G) PERS 15-5 Testing for prohibited substances in the ADF under Part VIIIA of the Defence Act 1903 detail defence policy.

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