Multiple US Army Soldiers Arrested For Drugs

On April 18, authorities arrested multiple soldiers at U.S. Army base Fort Stewart for suspicion of drug crimes.

The criminal charges caused a complete lockdown of the Georgia base as security performed thorough sweeps of the premises and searched all cars that entered or left the base.

Authorities clarified that at least one arrest was the result of a 90-day investigation by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Stewart Criminal Investigation Division, and the Drug Enforcement Agency, according to Popular Military.

A U.S. Army press release noted that “close cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, Fort Stewart’s drug prevention and detection programs resulted in these arrests.”

One individual, Pfc. Mario Figueroa, was charged with trafficking cocaine, though several other arrests have been made, according to the Coastal Courier.

Figueroa has been put behind bars since his arrest. A report by the Army Times stated that it was unclear whether or not Figueroa had a lawyer.

Authorities have not yet made public all the identities of the individuals involved.

Officials at Fort Stewart also did not publicize exactly how many individuals were arrested in the drug operation, but one source has reported that up to 64 soldiers from two battalions could potentially be involved, though it is not yet known to what extent.

The source elaborated that at least one of the soldiers who was tied to the drug operation had a reported affiliation to a drug cartel.

Fort Stewart’s Criminal Investigation Division itself subsequently announced the bust, though a Fort Stewart spokesman gave no further details, according to the Army Times.

Army officials declined to speak with press, except to communicate via press release that the situation had been addressed.

“We dedicate resources and work closely with our local law enforcement partners to identify and suppress illegal drug use in our ranks.” said Maj. Gen. James Rainey, senior commander of Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield, according to WSAV.

“We take this seriously, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure our Army and communities are drug-free.”

Rainey took pains to emphasize that the arrests should not tar the innocent personnel on the base.

“There are over 25,000 men and women serving in the Army at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield who selflessly defend our country every day,” said Rainey. “This incident does not diminish their hard work and sacrifices.”

Sources: Popular Military, Coastal Courier, Army Times, WSAV / Photo Credit: The National Crime Agency/Flickr