Pubdate: Thu, 04 Jul 2002
Source: Log Cabin Democrat (AR)
Copyright: 2002 The Log Cabin Democrat
Contact:  http://thecabin.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/548
Author: Estes Thompson, Associated Press Writer

PROBE TARGETS ECSTASY USE OF MARINES

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Tipped two years ago that Marines were using and 
selling the club drug Ecstasy, investigators opened what became the largest 
military-drug probe in recent years and arrested dozens of service 
personnel on the corps' biggest East Coast base.

Authorities seized $1.4 million worth of illegal drugs, including 31,000 
tablets of Ecstasy, 13,000 doses of LSD, 56 ounces of the "date rape" drug 
GHB, 4,783 grams of cocaine and 405 units of steroids.

Investigators said Wednesday that 84 Marines and sailors were charged and 
82 have been convicted in military courts. That included 61 people accused 
of distributing Ecstasy and 23 accused of using it. None of those arrested 
was an officer.

Those convicted will be dishonorably discharged at the end of their 
sentences, which range from three to 19 years, and will lose pay and 
veterans' benefits. Ninety-nine civilians also were charged and most of 
their cases are pending in state courts.
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