Published: October 10, 2006
12 Airmen facing drug charges at Lakenheath, Mildenhall
by Louis A. Arana-Barradas
Twelve Airmen at Royal Air Force Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall are under investigation for suspected use of and sale of cocaine, marijuana and ecstasy, according to an Air Force spokesperson.
Eleven of the Airmen are from Lakenheath's 48th Maintenance Group and 48th Medical Group, and the other is from Mildenhall's 100th Air Refueling Wing, said Capt. Beth Horrine, a Lakenheath spokesperson.
"All the suspects are under investigation at this time," she said. "No charges have been filed, yet."
She said the Airmen, most who lived in base dormitories, range in rank from airman first class to senior airman. All are in their early to mid 20s.
Air Force Office of Special Investigation agents had been investigating illegal drug use at Lakenheath since the spring of 2006. Agents interviewed and searched the Lakenheath Airmen suspected of using and selling illegal drugs Sept. 1.
"Most of the Airmen are suspected of just using drugs," the captain said. "But there are some under investigation for distributing drugs, too."
Since the investigation began, two of the Airmen moved to other assignments at the same stateside base.
"But they're still under investigation," Captain Horrine said.
Agents also interviewed other suspects, including two civilians, the captain said. Investigators passed the information to British law enforcement officials.
Those Airmen charged can face jail time. Captain Horrine said it would be difficult to say exactly what punishment the Airmen may face.
However, wrongful use of cocaine, ecstasy, or marijuana (more than 30 grams) has a maximum punishment of dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances and confinement of five years, she said.
"Distribution has a maximum punishment of dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 15 years," the captain said.
Captain Horrine said it could be more than a week before base officials make any further announcement on the investigation or whether they plan to file charges against any of the Airmen.
Source: U.S. Air Force
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