|
|
 |
SYDNEY (AFP) - Australian soldiers may
have sold army-issue guns to biker gangs in exchange for illicit
drugs, the country's premier current affairs magazine said
Wednesday.
The Bulletin magazine, published in association with Newsweek,
alleged that police in the Northern Territory had discovered
links between soldiers at the Robertson Barracks in Darwin and an
unnamed organised crime gang.
"But southern-based bikies trying to make supply inroads
into northern Australia generally fit the picture," the
article said.
Robertson houses more than 3,000 of Australia's toughest
soldiers, the country's most experienced vanguard troops having
seen action in East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq.
The magazine cited an interview with the Northern Territory
police commander George Owens in which he said the police and
defence authorities were jointly investigating a drug problem at
the base.
In October last year 97 soldiers were targetted for drug tests.
Some 47 returned positive results for drugs including marijuana,
speed, ecstasy and opiates.
Eleven admitted to having a drug habit and all must show cause to
the army why they should not be discharged.
"The objective of our operation was to identify any military
personnel that were using, selling or supplying illegal
drugs," Owens said.
Around the same time, two Steyr automatic rifles, a
semi-automatic handgun and night-vision goggles were stolen from
the barracks. The case has not been solved and is a worry for
police.
Copyright © 2004 Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.
