Airmen facing drug charges at Lakenheath, Mildenhall

  • Published
  • By Louis A. Arana-Barradas
  • Air Force Print News
SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) --  Ten 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.

Nine 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 Horine, a Lakenheath spokesperson. Since the investigation began, two other Airmen previously assigned to RAF Lakenheath but now assigned to a stateside base also are under investigation.

"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." 

While interviewing the Airmen, OSI agents also questioned two civilian, the captain said. Investigators plan to pass any information of civilian envolvement to British law enforcement officials.

Airmen charged with drug-related crimes may face jail time, as outlined in the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Captain Horine said it would be difficult to say exactly what punishment these Airmen may face since no charges have been made yet. 

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 under the code. Distribution has a maximum punishment of dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 15 years.

Captain Horine said it could be a few more weeks before base officials make any further announcement on the investigation or whether they plan to file charges against any of the Airmen.