Five soldiers have been thrown out of the New Zealand Army for taking the illegal drug N-Bomb.
New Zealand Defence Force personnel depart for a Mission Readiness Exercise in Australia. Photo: Supplied
The soldiers have been discharged after taking the psychoactive substance at Labour Weekend.
Eight soldiers were hospitalised in Palmerston North after taking the drug.
Of the three other soldiers involved in the Labour Weekend incident, two have elected to go through a court martial and one has been referred for court martial.
Earlier this week a soldier was sentenced to 28 days in the Services Corrective Establishment in Burnham after being found guilty of four drug related charges and one alcohol related charge, in an incident that was not related to the Labour Weekend incident.
Major General Peter Kelly said he would do everything he could to ensure the New Zealand Army was free from illegal drugs.
"I am well aware of the current illegal drug issue throughout New Zealand and I will not stand by and let illegal drugs pollute the integrity of the New Zealand Army. I am exceptionally proud of our Army and I am determined that the actions of a few must not undermine the professionalism and pride of the majority," he said.
Maj Gen Kelly said he had sent a message to his soldiers to ensure they understood illegal drugs have no place in the Army and NZDF and the consequences if they ignore that message.
"If any soldier is caught taking illegal drugs or having illegal drugs in their possession, they will be dealt with to the full extent of the NZDF's ability."
