Air Force drug probe grows to 10 officers

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Washington • An Air Force investigation into alleged drug use in the ranks has expanded to include 10 officers at six bases in the U.S. and Britain.

Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Brett Ashworth says nine lieutenants and one captain are being investigated for illegal possession of recreational drugs. He said the case began with the investigation of two officers at Edwards Air Force Base in California and expanded based on their contacts with others.

The probe surfaced Thursday as Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel visited F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming to give a planned pep talk to members of the nuclear missile force. Initially, officials revealed that two nuclear launch control officers in Montana were being investigated for drug use.

Recreational drugs can include narcotics such as Ecstasy and synthetic marijuana.