Soldiers fired over use of N-Bomb drug

A 25B-NBOMe tab: The drug is a powerful hallucinogen. Photo / Suppliued

Five soldiers have lost their jobs after taking a psychedelic drug, N-Bomb.

The soldiers from Linton Military Camp took the drug over Labour Weekend in October and were hospitalised.

They were part of a group of eight caught acting strangely in Palmerston North.

Out of the three remaining soldiers involved, two have elected to be tried by court martial and one has been referred for court martial.

In a separate incident this week, a soldier was sentenced to 28 days in the Services Corrective Establishment in Burnham after being found guilty of four drug-related charges and one alcohol-related charge.

The New Zealand Defence Force's (NZDF) Chief of Army, Major General Peter Kelly, condemned the use of drugs.

"I am well aware of the current illegal drug issue throughout New Zealand and I will not stand by and let illegal drugs pollute the integrity of the New Zealand Army," he said.

"I am exceptionally proud of our Army and I am determined that the actions of a few must not undermine the professionalism and pride of the majority."

General Kelly said he wanted to reassure the New Zealand public that he has sent a message to his soldiers to ensure they understand illegal drugs have no place in the NZDF and that there would be consequences if they ignore that message.

He said the New Zealand public had "every right to expect its military to uphold the highest level of standards of behaviour and is saddened that a few people marred the efforts of the majority".

He added: "We are a military force charged with maintaining the security and freedom of New Zealanders and those countries we work alongside and we must be at the top of our game.

"I have sent a message to every soldier in the New Zealand Army outlining my high expectations and the consequences should they choose to not heed that message.

"If any soldier is caught taking illegal drugs or having illegal drugs in their possession, they will be dealt with to the full extent of the NZDF's ability."

NZDF personnel undergo random drug testing as well as testing at various levels of their career.