10 Airmen facing drug charges at Lakenheath, Mildenhall Published Oct. 13, 2006 By Louis A. Arana-Barradas Air Force Print News RAF Mildenhall -- Ten Airmen at RAFs Lakenheath and Mildenhall are under investigation for alleged use and sale of cocaine, marijuana and ecstasy. Nine Airmen are from Lakenheath's 48th Maintenance and Medical groups; the other is from Mildenhall's 100th Air Refueling Wing, said Capt. Beth Horine, RAF Lakenheath Public Affairs officer. Since the investigation began, two other Airmen previously assigned to RAF Lakenheath but now assigned to a stateside base are also being investigated. No charges had been filed as of Wednesday. Captain Horine said the Airmen range in rank from airman first class to senior airman, and all are in their 20s. Air Force Office of Special Investigation agents have been investigating illegal drug use at RAF Lakenheath since spring. Agents interviewed and searched the Lakenheath-suspected Airmen Sept. 1. "Most of the Airmen are suspected of just using drugs," the captain said. "But there are some under investigation for distributing drugs, too." Agents also interviewed two civilian suspects, the captain said. Investigators passed the information to British law enforcement officials. The Airmen charged can face jail time. Captain Horine said it would be difficult to say exactly what punishment these Airmen may face. However, wrongful use of cocaine, ecstasy, or marijuana (more than 30 grams) has a maximum punishment of dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances and confinement of five years under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, she said. Captain Horine said it could be a few more weeks before base officials make any further announcement on the investigation or whether they plan to file charges against any of the Airmen.