Sailors punished for Spice use

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Eleven sailors stationed aboard the Norfolk-based USS Wasp will receive non-judicial punishment for using the synthetic substance known as Spice, according to a Navy spokesman.

Service Force Atlantic Public Affairs Officer LCMDR Bill Urban told WAVY.com the sailors, who rank from E-1 to E-5, have been or are in the process of being separated from the Navy. Two of the sailors face violation of article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for the use/purchase and/or distribution of a synthetic hallucinogenic compound known as 2C-I.

The investigation began in October 2012, prior to the ship's departure for Hurricane Sandy relief operations in New York, according to LCMDR Urban.

The Navy has a zero-tolerance policy on drugs. LCMDR Urban said, "Drug use undercuts unit readiness and moral and is inconsistent with Navy core values."

Several additional sailors remain under investigation.

Stay with WAVY News 10 on air and online for updates on this developing story.