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Swiss soldiers caught using drugs

The Swiss Italian-language newspaper Corriere del Ticino has reported that a dozen Swiss soldiers guarding WEF have been found to be using drugs. According to the paper, they had been using cocaine and marijuana during their time on duty.

The military police discovered the drug use while carrying out a search among the 30th army battalion, with soldiers mainly from cantons Ticino and Graubünden. The police was acting on a tip from within the battalion itself, Army Spokesman Stefan Hofer told Swiss Public Television SRF.

One soldier who had more than three grams of cocaine in his possession was immediately sent home and will have to answer to justice authorities. Others who used cocaine were also sent home. Those who used marijuana will remain on the job but will be punished during their time in service. Hofer did not say what their punishment would be – he said it would be up to their commander.

Hofer also confirmed reports that a member of the Swiss military guarding WEF fired a weapon by accident. No one was injured.

-swissinfo.ch newsdesk

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