Pubdate: Mon, 15 Nov 2004 Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON) Copyright: 2004, Canoe Limited Partnership Contact: http://www.fyiottawa.com/ottsun.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329 Author: Stephanie Rubec, Parliamentary Bureau CHEAP AFGHAN DRUGS WORRY MILITARY COPS Canadian soldiers patrolling in Afghanistan are at a "very high" risk of using local drugs thanks to rock-bottom prices, says a military criminal intelligence report. A July 2003 military police criminal intelligence program interim report, obtained by the Sun under Access to Information, warns that deploying soldiers to a leading drug-producing country like Afghanistan on Operation Athena could produce "nightmares." The Canadian Forces' national investigation service rated "... the risk of CF members' involvement in illicit drug activities while deployed to OP Athena as high to very high," the intelligence report says. TONNES OF OPIUM Afghanistan is the world's largest hash exporter and recently became the world's top supplier of opium. The report points out that 2,200 tonnes of opium are cultivated annually in Afghanistan, representing 73% of the world's total production. "Further, the deployment to, and CF operations in, a leading drug source country, provide a number of hypothetical 'nightmares' for commanders on the ground and MP (military police) tasked to investigate any incidents that arise ...," the report says. The report also raises a red flag over a legal Afghan chewing tobacco called nasuar, which is made of hash. "Soldiers interviewed with regards to the use of nasuar state the taste of the substance is an 'acquired one,' " the report says. $1 A GRAM Canadian soldiers working at observation posts are approached by young children and offered roughly a gram of nasuar for about $1 US, military intelligence says. "Larger amounts are offered and sold by the young children's older siblings," the report says. Capt. Mark Giles, spokesman for the military's national investigation service, said he couldn't comment on whether there are ongoing investigations of soldiers using drugs in Afghanistan. The intelligence report also says drug investigations in Canada are sapping resources and many bases don't have the staff to battle drugs. "Most base/wing/formation military police units are unable to dedicate any proactive response to the increase in reported drug activity due to reduced manpower and limited drug expertise." - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D