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."
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