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| News > Investigation nabs 30 Air Force spice users |
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Investigation nabs 30 Air Force spice users
Posted 6/14/2011
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by Brandice J. O'Brien
72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
6/14/2011 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFNS) -- In April, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Det. 114 here completed a two-month Spice-use investigation that resulted in the identification of 30 Airmen.
The Airmen, who are assigned to six units within Air Force Materiel Command, Air Combat Command and Air Force Space Command, have been or are currently awaiting discharge.
"Everyone needs to understand that spice is a schedule I controlled substance," said Col. Bob LaBrutta, the 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander. "In other words, it's considered the same as using marijuana. Therefore, if you use spice and are caught, which you will be, the Air Force has a zero-tolerance policy, so you will be jeopardizing your military career!"
"It is no surprise to any military member that the Air Force has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual assault, sexual harassment and illegal drug usage," said Col. David Babyak, the 3rd Combat Communications Group commander. "Failure to enforce these standards would negatively impact good order and discipline thereby reducing an organization's combat effectiveness. Make no mistake, Spice is a drug; if you use it you will get caught and suffer the consequences."
Spice, an herbal smoking mixture with synthetic cannabis, first appeared on the European market in 2004. By 2009, it infiltrated the American market. In March, it was classified as a schedule 1 substance on the Drug Enforcement Administration Controlled Substance List.
Although some versions of the product were marketed as an "herbal incense" and not for human consumption, users found it offered a high similar to that of marijuana.
Yet, the side effects of anxiety, nausea, paranoia, discomfort, confusion and an overall longing for the experience to end proved more severe than marijuana. Officials said users also complained of "couch-lock," a feeling of paralysis.
Officials have said the reason behind the intensified effects can be blamed on the purity of the synthetic chemicals. It can also be attributed to fact that not all batches are the same. There is no universal recipe and not all of spice's ingredients are known.
Airmen who test positive for spice can be court-martialed, face dishonorable discharge, confinement for at least five years and forfeit pay and allowances. Additionally, enlisted Airmen can be demoted to the lowest grade. According to Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, possession or distribution of the drug is also a violation and could result in the same consequences as an Airman who ingests spice.
Of those caught at here, roughly half were habitual users who had introduced the drug to others and half were first-time users. The apprehended ranged in rank from airmen to senior airmen.
"Even though spice doesn't seem as serious of a drug as cocaine or marijuana, we don't just turn a blind eye to it," said Special Agent Jeffrey Carlson, the Criminal Investigations Branch Chief.
Special Agent Carlson said the investigation began when OSI received a tip. Using specialized investigative techniques, they compiled and analyzed information, spoke with witnesses and corroborated stories.
In addition to apprehending the guilty, Special Agent Carlson said since the close of the investigation, there have been fewer calls or tips regarding spice use on base.
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