Crime & Safety

Navy Investigates Illegal Drug Use At Sub Base

14 sailors implicated in connection with drug activity; six arrested on criminal charges

Naval Submarine Base New London distributed this news release today:

A Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) investigation in connection with illegal drug use has implicated a number of active duty sailors assigned to Naval Submarine Base New London and has resulted in the arrest of both active duty personnel and civilians.

Two sailors were arrested after a motor vehicle stop and search by NCIS and the Groton Town Police Department, Monday April 30. The sailors had $900 and a small amount of marijuana in their possession and were charged by Groton Town Police with possession of a controlled substance. Four other sailors were arrested Tuesday, May 1 and have been charged with criminal attempt to possess the drug “Ecstasy.” 

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A total of 14 sailors have been implicated in connection with drug activity but only six have so far been booked on criminal charges. Sailors involved may face state criminal charges as well as charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Investigation of the sailors led to apprehension of four civilians taken into custody May 3 by the Groton Town Police Department, the Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Task Force and NCIS.

Find out what's happening in Grotonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“NCIS will continue to pursue this case to determine whether any additional Navy personnel are involved with this particular ring, although at this time indications are that all users have been identified,” said Supervisory Special Agent Gerald Tirocchi of the NCIS Office at the SUBASE.

Once notified of the investigation, SUBASE promptly removed the Sailors from normal duty pending results of the investigation. 


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