A member of the Canadian Armed Forces at the base in Comox is facing two drug-related charges for allegedly possessing magic mushrooms and running an illegal marijuana-oil lab.
Master Cpl. Joshua Alexander, a member of the 407 Maritime Patrol Squadron, has been charged with one count of production of cannabis contrary to the Cannabis Act and one count of possession of an illegal substance, the Department of National Defence said in a news release Friday.
An investigation into the alleged possession began on July 12 when the forces’ internal investigations service was executing a search warrant related to another investigation at Alexander’s home.
Psilocybin, or magic mushrooms, nearly 1.5 kilograms of cannabis and other equipment used to extract marijuana oil were seized, the department said.
“Activities such as the possession and production of illegal drugs are extremely damaging to the health and welfare of our community, and will not be tolerated,” Lt.-Cmdr. Bryan MacLeod of the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service said in a statement.
“These charges reflect our ongoing commitment to conduct professional national level drug enforcement investigations in order to ensure those responsible are brought to justice and maintain a safe and secure environment for all CAF personnel.”
The charges are now being dealt with within the military justice system. Alexander could face court martial.
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