Druggie Digers just 1pc

Illicit drug use had been revealed in just over 1 per cent of all random tests carried out on Australian Defence Force personnel, the Federal Government said yesterday.

Assistant Defence Minister Mal Brough said the low incidence of illicit drug use reflected the zero tolerance policy adopted by defence, and "the fact most servicemen and women have an aversion to drug taking."

"They understand that military service and drugs don't mix," he said.

The most recent drug testing revealed 23 positive detections among 2042 random tests.

About 10 per cent of ADF personnel are randomly tested each year.

Mr Brough said personnel who tested positive were issued with what was essentially a termination notice and had 28 days to respond.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: 9th June 2004
Source: Northern Territory News
Website: http://www.ntnews.com.au
Email: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Copyright: 2004 Northern Territory News