Police investigate 13 conscripts for drug offenses at Säkylä and Niinisalo military bases in Finland

Elina Riutta, chairperson of the National Service Association, has described the drug-related incidents at the Pori Brigade as exceptional and rare. The police are investigating 13 conscripts at the Säkylä and Niinisalo military bases for drug use or possession offenses. Riutta noted that in her three years with the association, this is the first case of this magnitude that has come to light.

Onni Pusa, the secretary-general of the National Service Association, considers the occurrences at the Pori Brigade as isolated incidents, acknowledging that while unfortunate, they are part of a larger age cohort that cannot be entirely shielded from such occurrences. The military does not record statistics on drug-related crime allegations or convictions, but the General Staff has stated that the numbers are not significant.

Typically, conscripts caught using drugs have their service interrupted. However, the General Staff declined to comment on the specifics of the Pori Brigade case, referring to the ongoing police investigation.

Following a tip-off from personnel at the brigade, police conducted a routine inspection last week. Detective Chief Inspector Antti Alitalo indicated that the operation led to the seizure of cannabis and drugs categorized as controlled substances. The inspection resulted in one drug offense and 12 drug use violations involving 13 conscripts.

Furthermore, the use of drug detection dogs in the military has been declining in recent years, according to Tero Rissanen, head of the Military Dog Unit at the Pori Brigade. The military has conducted drug tests since 2002, but participation remains voluntary, with occasional mandatory testing in specific roles requiring high levels of responsibility or quick judgment. Despite the incidents, both Riutta and Pusa do not regard the situation as overly concerning, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures moving forward.