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Several crew of U.S. Navy ship in Japan suspected of drug trafficking

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Surprised Surprised, American crimes travel well

-11 ( +18 / -29 )

Wonder if it was that deadly stuff manufactured in China or just the Devil's lettuce?

2 ( +13 / -11 )

the Devil's lettuce

I needed a laugh. Thanks! Let's hope it wasn't the stuff that kills you.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

Not just a one off, US military have been involved in all types of organized criminal activity world-wide, including human trafficking i.e. Asian women to the US where they are forced to work in massage parlors.

-6 ( +17 / -23 )

Are these real drugs or things like Adderall or nasal decongestants?

-3 ( +11 / -14 )

What kind of drug?

Coke?

Fentanyl?

Meth?

Or weed, poppers etc?

It is a source of amazement to me that "drug is bad" is the extent of reporting on this issue here.

22 ( +27 / -5 )

Let's hope it wasn't the stuff that kills you.

Evidently not everyone!

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

Good bye! The military does not take drugs lightly and after a long period of confinement, at hard labor, they will be getting at a minimum a "Big Chicken Dinner" and their lives screwed up for like forever.

6 ( +11 / -5 )

What kind of drug?

Last time it was LSD and ecstasy, the jolly sailor boys were crashing their ships all over Tokyo Bay (although that was largely unreported by the pliant media). Fat Leonard never dies, it seems.

https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2023-05-22/navy-ronald-reagan-drug-investigation-10194912.html

3 ( +12 / -9 )

Derek,I guess you want a stoner responsible for nuclear weapons

-16 ( +3 / -19 )

I guess the crew of the Ronald Reagan don't listen to Nancys advice, Just Say No.

8 ( +14 / -6 )

This isn't anything new. US military has been trafficking drugs since the vietnam war.

8 ( +15 / -7 )

Yrral

Derek,I guess you want a stoner responsible for nuclear weapons.

Yep cause that's how the military and nuclear weapons work, just a big red flashy button on the ship. Just like the cartoons

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Nukes and drugs. OMG

-10 ( +3 / -13 )

What does home-ported mean?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Plot twist : The US Gov't supplied it as they do since the dawn of time! Keep them drugged up and controlled!

Sorry to burst your bubble but that is not the case. The Navy is zero tolerance for drugs, and a heck of a lot harder on sailors for alcohol related problems than it was during the 1980s when I was on active duty. They are unforgiving of the sorts of drunken stupidity that was encouraged when I was on active duty.

Everyone, officers and enlisted, are drug tested periodically and at your physical exam Who gets tested each month is determined by a random draw. I have had to follow a fellow officer around with a specimen bottle until he was ready to relieve himself and witness the stream exit the body to ensure a proper chain of custody. It's much more intrusive than private industry drug testing. I had that miserable job for a time as an officer.

I have seen with my own eyes what happens when someone pops positive. NCIS is all over them. They will charge you with everything they can even remotely hope to make stick in a Courts Martial, really pile it on and then grind the suspect for information on where they got the drugs. They will trade charges for names and places. Anyone who does drugs in the US Navy and thinks they will get away with it is effing stupid. They always get caught. That is not to say some sailors don't try, and on a ship with a crew of 6,500 it is entirely likely some sailor is peddling it to other sailors. NCIS will find them and as mentioned above they will all get the BCD, Bad Conduct Discharge or Big Chicken Dinner, which ends up being a felony conviction that follows the individual for the rest of their lives.

12 ( +16 / -4 )

Of course from there, as it is all unchecked on entry. The other half of drugs comes with diplomatic corps’ luggage. It’s an island nation here and the drugs usually don’t grow and aren’t produced here. Therefore only those unchecked people can bring it in. Would be necessary that they finally close those wide open loopholes and exceptions for foreign army and diplomats. Away with those dangerous international rulings that guarantee immunity etc, it’s more important to dry out that massive drug swamp!

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

@TaiwanisNotChina

Are these real drugs or things like Adderall or nasal decongestants?

Do you really think it would be reported here if was nasal decongestant lol

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

Of course from there, as it is all unchecked on entry. The other half of drugs comes with diplomatic corps’ luggage. It’s an island nation here and the drugs usually don’t grow and aren’t produced here. Therefore only those unchecked people can bring it in. 

That is so laughable. Ever hear of organized crime? Smuggling? It happens everywhere. Merchant ships are a vector for bringing contraband into a country.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/giacomotognini/2019/07/15/italian-billionaire-couples-shipping-line-msc-involved-in-third-drug-bust-in-2019/?sh=55298ee24ea7

Tenerife is an island like Japan, but much smaller.

https://greekreporter.com/2023/01/21/greek-cargo-ship-caught-carrying-cocaine-tenerife-drug-bust/

Here are gCaptain's "Drug Smuggling Archives

https://gcaptain.com/tag/drug-smuggling/

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Here some Chinese were caught unloading drugs from a boat on a beach in Izu.

https://thediplomat.com/2019/06/japan-arrests-7-chinese-suspects-in-record-drug-smuggling-bust/

Some drugs come to Japan by "mules", humans who carry it with them.

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3101929/elderly-drug-mules-are-japans-yakuza-behind-wave-arrests-across

7 ( +9 / -2 )

A very serious situation. Major drugs on a carrier. Nothing like dropping LSD and bombing the hell out of the enemy.

-10 ( +2 / -12 )

wallace

A very serious situation. Major drugs on a carrier. Nothing like dropping LSD and bombing the hell out of the enemy.

They don't state which drugs. So, we don't know if they're "major drugs" or just cannabis.

LegrandeT

Do you really think it would be reported here if was nasal decongestant lol

Definitely, as pseudoephedrine-containing decongestants are illegal here. And, in large amounts, can be used to produce methamphetamine.

saffron

What does home-ported mean?

Sounds kinda dirty, doesn't it?

0 ( +3 / -3 )

I guarantee it's just weed being distributed around the base. You know, that harmless stuff that helps you sleep, relax, laugh and enjoy your food more. That stuff that has been prominent in the media, smoked on stages, used by everyone. The police barely bat an eye at it, and haven't for nearly 30 years.

However, Japan insists it is as bad as heroin. A life ruining, addicting mess. The truth is, as soon as people learn that "relaxing" is that thing, the entire structure of the country falls apart.

It's too bad, I'd love to see Kishi light up a joint and have a genuine smile for once.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

A very serious situation. Major drugs on a carrier. Nothing like dropping LSD and bombing the hell out of the enemy.

It was round about 1981 that an S-3 Viking landing on USS Nimitz trapped well to the right of centerline and struck an SH-3. There was a major fire and casualties. About two dozen missiles exploded on deck. The mishap investigation revealed aircrew drug use as a causal factor. Since then the US Navy has drug tested everyone all the time. Zero tolerance. The other branches soon followed suit. Even civilians in sensitive positions are randomly drug tested.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

garypen

like Alfie said "Last time it was LSD and ecstasy,"

Nasal decongestants are not illegal on US bases or ships only in Japan.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

TaiwanIsNotChina

Today 07:11 am JST

Are these real drugs or things like Adderall or nasal decongestants

LegrandeT

> Do you really think it would be reported here if was nasal decongestant lol

> Definitely, as pseudoephedrine-containing decongestants are illegal here. And, in large amounts, can be used to produce methamphetamine

Unless things have changed, base PX have all the same stuff available over the counter in the USA, there are meds available clearly marked not to remove from the base which is technically USA soil.

So the fact this involved delivery by post points to dugs that are more than likely federally controlled by the USA government.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

This does not surprise me.

With the way the USA military has been recruiting and the failure to attract good recruits, many no longer remaining do to simple facts that do to policies they find themselves servicing with people that did not have to past the same criteria as they do, Certain Marines need to do 3 chin-ups 15 for perfect score, a certain group only needs to hang from the bar for 15 seconds and 3 chin-ups for perfect score) these types of exemptions have put many off from joining and staying.

So in desperation the USA military has been handing out waivers for "former" gang members and convicted criminals this process was simplified in certain branches and certain offences that the recruitment commander is now permitted to give moral waivers directly for certain things.

Since this policy was implemented criminal activity within the military has increased mostly criminal gang related.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

At least NCIS doesn't have to go far. I believe they're based in Fleet Command at Yokosuka.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

There is nothing new about drugs in the military. Look at Vietnam. We trained with the US Navy frequently when we did military exercises. It was the CIA that started the first LSD experiments.

Recently, cocaine was found on a UK nuclear sub. The Navy discharged nine submariners from the vessel.

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

OssanAmerica

At least NCIS doesn't have to go far. I believe they're based in Fleet Command at Yokosuka.

That depends on whether the carrier is in port or out on patrol.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

oh no...scary scary drugs. what awful bad men

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Wanna guess the lowest common denominator?

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Are these real drugs or things like Adderall or nasal decongestants?

Yokosuka base? Yes, those are real drugs. Has been going on for years, and everyone knows about it.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Mr Kipling

nuclear Trident submarines are no place for drugs. Nor are massive carriers. The life of sailors and submariners rely on each other being capable of performing their roles and when they don't people get hurt and killed.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

This is horrible. American soldiers and sailors should really try to set a better example for the youth of the countries they protect and serve. For whatever reason, all drugs are bad in Japan, yet the elderly are over-prescribed by zealous doctors. If these sailors were providing free prescription drugs to the elderly, it would have been a noble act. Unfortunately, it looks as if these morons tarnished America's amazing image by brazenly violating Japanese law by trafficking narcotics to people with addiction issues (ie. the local population - Navy does regular drug testing on its sailors, so its pretty clear they weren't using the drugs.).

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

LegrandeToday  07:07 am JST

Not just a one off, US military have been involved in all types of organized criminal activity world-wide, including human trafficking i.e. Asian women to the US where they are forced to work in massage parlors.

As a US Navy veteran I have heard plenty about Navy personnel stationed in the Philippines running local brothels and prostitution rings there, not to mention some of the 'workers' being way underage. And on some bases in the US Filipinas are hired into 'legit' jobs serving at base clubs and bars and in the sex trade on the side.

And I've also heard about the drug trade on some Navy vessels too. It wouldn't surprise me.

wallaceToday  10:59 am JST

There is nothing new about drugs in the military. Look at Vietnam. We trained with the US Navy frequently when we did military exercises. It was the CIA that started the first LSD experiments.

Recently, cocaine was found on a UK nuclear sub. The Navy discharged nine submariners from the vessel.

And in Thailand too during that war. Wonder if drugs had any role in the Afghan, Iraq, Somalia wars. Somalia has the qat trade.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

wallaceToday  11:03 am JST

OssanAmerica

At least NCIS doesn't have to go far. I believe they're based in Fleet Command at Yokosuka.

That depends on whether the carrier is in port or out on patrol.

No it doesn't. Next time try reading the article before posting. CVN76 is home ported in Yokosuka, and NCIS is already working with the Japanese police authorities.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

it also says

The Ronald Reagan is believed to have departed from its base on Tuesday for a long-term patrolling mission. It will be the final patrol of the carrier before being replaced next year. The carrier USS George Washington will replace the Ronald Reagan as the centerpiece of the 7th Fleet’s carrier strike group sometime next year.

No report if the sailors being investigated sailed with the carrier.

Five years after cracking an LSD ring aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, Navy investigators are probing reports of new drug activity aboard the carrier, a spokeswoman for Naval Forces Japan said Monday.

Three sailors aboard the USS Ronald Reagan attempted suicide over a three-month period last year, according to a Navy spokesman.

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

If only the “general public” knew about the things that really go on board those ships. When I was in during the 90’s, female crew members from the USS SAMUEL GOMPERS were running a prostitution business on board the ship. It was a submarine tender and when the subs came up for service, the sub crew were getting serviced.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

At least NCIS doesn't have to go far. I believe they're based in Fleet Command at Yokosuka.

That depends on whether the carrier is in port or out on patrol

No, we don’t have to go far. There is an NCIS presence at every military base that has an established USN or USMC presence as well as some other locations as well

And there is an agent onboard every flat top, either inport or underway.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

The drug was LSD.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

USNinJapan2

The drug was LSD.

Are any pilots involved?

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

They would not have enough personal space on board to hide much. Maybe the contraband was elsewhere.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

This is likely a couple people eating marijuana gummies and Japan blowing it out of proportion.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

I wonder what's going to happen when marihuana gets legalised on a federal level. Then US military will be OK to use it on base. Supposing someone lives off base or carries some weed to take on a picnic. How is that going to work?

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

You don’t need space to hide LSD.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

While the ALLEGATIONS in this story are pretty serious:

In 2018, a U.S. Navy sailor assigned to the Ronald Reagan was referred to Japanese prosecutors for allegedly smuggling narcotic drugs by international mail.

There is no real need to bring up past unrelated incidents. In other news, a city legislator's son was arrested on suspicion of killing 4 people. Do we bring up past unrelated, yes unrelated, actions of this kind when a story like this makes the rounds? The only connection people want to see is it involves the U.S. military.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Surprised Surprised, American crimes travel well

It has nothing to do with America, it has to do with some bad individuals.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Not a surprise. Prostitution is also a recurrent issue, among not only crew members but also dependents.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

bass4funk

Surprised Surprised, American crimes travel well

It has nothing to do with America, it has to do with some bad individuals.

Of course, it is to do with America, The US Navy, and US sailors. It's all 100% American.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

RKL

Of course, it is to do with America, The US Navy, and US sailors. It's all 100% American.

If you read the headline "wallace" you will note that the ship is in Japan.

There goes your 100% theory,

It is not a ship, it is a carrier and a warship. All US Navy vessels wherever they are in the world are the property of the US, not Japan. All the bases in Japan, including Yokosuka are 100% under the control of the US.

It is U.S. Government policy to assert full sovereign immunity for all U.S. Navy manned and unmanned warships, including combatant craft as the term is defined .

The carrier and all of its crew are 100% responsible for the US Navy. If any have broken local Japanese laws they could be handed over to the Japanese.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

It is U.S. Government policy to assert full sovereign immunity for all U.S. Navy manned and unmanned warships, including combatant craft as the term is defined.

https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2021/NAV21165.txt?ver=EHzWAiORe_7avzdSafZm9g%3D%3D

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

wallace

Are any pilots involved?

In all my years I have never come across one that was involved with illegal drugs that would affect their ability to fly. We're simply not that stupid. It's almost certain that those involved were all junior enlisted.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

USNinJapan2

thank you for your answer and congrats on 3rd place.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

The crew is the responsibility of the US Navy even in cases of service people found guilty of a crime.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

It doesn't surprise me at all...

LOOOOL !!!..

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Of course, it is to do with America, The US Navy, and US sailors. It's all 100% American.

Travel crimes? Did you even see what I was responding to? Stop jumping the gun.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

At least NCIS doesn't have to go far. I believe they're based in Fleet Command at Yokosuka.

That depends on whether the carrier is in port or out on patrol.

From experience NCIS deploys everywhere the US Navy deploys. They can ride the COD to the carrier if their investigation demands. They have offices all over the world.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

In all my years I have never come across one that was involved with illegal drugs that would affect their ability to fly.

The mishap on Nimitz involved drug use by pilots. Not quite a decade later a nice little moonshine operation run by some pilots on Nimitz was broken up by NCIS. They had a still making hooch. Compared to our ammo ship the pilots on the Nimitz were riding a luxury liner (they had air conditioning that worked, no water hours and fresh greens where we had wilted lettuce, perpetual heat and frequent water hours) so I could not for the life of me understand why they would take such a huge risk.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Travel crimes?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

It is not a ship, it is a carrier and a warship. All US Navy vessels wherever they are in the world are the property of the US, not Japan. All the bases in Japan, including Yokosuka are 100% under the control of the US.

Not entirely true. While the ships themselves are sovereign US territory, the bases are not and that was emphasized to us when stationed abroad. If you notice we do not call Yokosuka a US Naval Base. It is a JMSDF base and the US part of the operation there are called Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Same thing at Sasebo. Atsugi is not a Naval Air Station like it would be if it were on US soil, but rather Naval Air Facility. Likewise Yokoda is not Yokoda Air Force Base but Yokoda Air Base. On all of these bases the top military officer is Japanese, the base is Japanese and the US military activities are "tenant commands" operating under a Status of Forces Agreement that spells out in detail what the US military is allowed to do from Japanese soil.

When I was stationed on Diego Garcia the British and US flags flew from the base HQ and the "Britrep", a Royal Navy Commander, was the last word on the rules for living there. We were bound by British laws, especially their very restrictive wildlife protection laws and you could end up in the British jail there if you were caught kicking a coconut crab or if you tried to bring porn into the island, as our newly arrived Safety Officer found out the hard way when British Customs discovered his stash upon arrival and sent him off to the gray bar for his first night on the island ! Nice way to meet you new skipper when he has to bail you out of jail :/

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

 if you were caught kicking a coconut crab

Is that a big problem there?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

bass4funk

Of course, it is to do with America, The US Navy, and US sailors. It's all 100% American.

Travel crimes? Did you even see what I was responding to? Stop jumping the gun.

Is that like when you posted they would only be charged after being found guilty?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

DT

but there are bases under the control of the US.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

 if you were caught kicking a coconut crab

Is that a big problem there?

Ever seen a coconut crab? They are big enough to eat cats and occasionally do. Their claw is powerful enough to bust a coconut open. They would like to challenge us on jogging trails and yes a few got kicked. I never had the courage, that claw is fearsome, but I did boot a few soldier crabs that would run out in front of you and try to pincer you as you jogged. They were like psycho chihuahuas! Occasionally the Philippino contractors would grab one and cook it, but man if they ever got caught it was a big fine and some jail time, then get deported. Not saying it never happened but it was highly illegal. All the wild life on Dodge was protected and the Britrep was a bird watcher and wild life enthusiast.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

DT

but there are bases under the control of the US.

Not in my experience. There was a delicate balance of authority between the US military and the host country and my recollection was there were restrictions on what we could do. In Oman we could only operate from Al Masirah (bleak and barren place we jokingly called Moon Base Alpha) during daylight hours and I recall one time our logistics operation went past sunset and it became a diplomatic incident. US aircraft coming into Diego Garcia had to obtain a diplomatic clearance from the Brits to land. It was pro-forma but still we couldn't just fly a C-141 in from Clark without the Brits permission. When we wanted a new base frequency for our helicopters at Diego Garcia I had to run the request through the British MoD who then made us go through a UN organization that coordinates international radio bandwidth so our proposed frequency didn't interfere with an existing user somewhere we were maybe not aware of. British island, we had to go with what the Brits allowed.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

There are several US bases in the UK, 100% under the control of the Americans and the police cannot enter without their permission.

https://cnduk.org/resources/military-bases-us-bases-in-the-uk-and-uk-bases-overseas-what-they-are-and-what-they-do/

AGREEMENT UNDER ARTICLE VI OF THE TREATY OF MUTUAL COOPERATION AND SECURITY BETWEEN JAPAN AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, REGARDING FACILITIES AND AREAS AND THE STATUS OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES IN JAPAN

https://www.mofa.go.jp/region/n-america/us/q&a/ref/2.html

0 ( +0 / -0 )

DT

The mishap on Nimitz involved drug use by pilots.

My experience is from my time in the post Cold War Navy.

While the ships themselves are sovereign US territory, the bases are not and that was emphasized to us when stationed abroad. If you notice we do not call Yokosuka a US Naval Base. It is a JMSDF base and the US part of the operation there are called Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Same thing at Sasebo. Atsugi is not a Naval Air Station like it would be if it were on US soil, but rather Naval Air Facility. Likewise Yokoda is not Yokoda Air Force Base but Yokoda Air Base. On all of these bases the top military officer is Japanese, the base is Japanese and the US military activities are "tenant commands" operating under a Status of Forces Agreement that spells out in detail what the US military is allowed to do from Japanese soil.

Your insights are usually spot on by you've got this one wrong. U.S. installations in Japan under U.S. Forces Japan are legitimate military bases with 100% U.S. jurisdiction granted under the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security and the SOFA. The semantics of what the installations are called is immaterial. Landside and waterside security of these bases is 100% the responsibility of the U.S. forces and entry control points and perimeters of these bases are protected 100% by AD U.S. security forces or civilian Japanese guards who work for base security. JSDF units and facilities located within our perimeter fence line are considered our tenant commands and require base access granted by the U.S. base commander, as do the Japanese police to enter our bases to exercise their jurisdiction on incidences involving non-SOFA personnel. Local JSDF commanders, regardless of rank, have zero authority or influence over U.S. personnel or base operations. Bottom-line, although we coordinate and cooperate with our Government of Japan counterparts to the extent possible, under the security treaty and the SOFA we are entitled to train and operate and defend our forces/installations as we deem necessary without prior notification or permission. It is true that the property on which our bases exist is not sovereign U.S. territory and certainly not the same as our ships, but legally and in every way that matters it is treated as such while it is leased under treaty by Japan to the U.S. Things are very different on Diego Garcia, which is a joint base with facilities leased to the U.S. by the U.K, with the two forces on a more equal footing.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

@Desert Tortoise if USNinJapan2 is correct then you have made a very fundamental error about a very important topic.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The CIA has been a major drug running crime org. since the 1950's. Their activities in Vietnam, Laos, South America etc...are all the proof you need. They are responsible for the start of the US drugs epidemic.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The report is about drug trafficking, it doesn't mention consumption. I does mention Japanese police - hope that doesn't mean ....

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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