Investigation into drug smuggling ring on USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier

The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan is anchored at Yokosuka base, Japan.

STARS AND STRIPES SCREENSHOT

AFP news agency reported on May 25 that the US Navy is investigating allegations that some sailors on the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier at Yokosuka base (Japan) used and smuggled drugs.

"The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is investigating the sailors of the USS Ronald Reagan for alleged drug possession, use, and distribution," said Officer Katie Cerezo of US Naval Forces Japan.

Ms Cerezo declined to give details on the number of sailors or the type of drugs involved, citing the ongoing investigation. "We take all reports of wrongdoing seriously and are working with Japanese law enforcement agencies," she said.

Previously, Stars and Stripes reported that the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan left Yokosuka port on May 12 on its final voyage before returning to the port to undergo repairs.

In 2018, the US Navy announced an investigation into a drug ring aboard the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, with multiple suspects accused of supplying and using psychotropic drugs and ecstasy.

Five sailors were court-martialed, while 10 others received disciplinary action in connection with the incident.

Of the five sailors who appeared in court, four pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in exchange for bad conduct discharges. Another sailor was sentenced to 10 months in prison and another to 90 days in jail.

Japan has about 50,000 US troops stationed, mostly in the southern prefecture of Okinawa.

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