An investigation has been launched into the widespread use of drugs by members of an elite airforce, the Telegraaf reported on Wednesday.

The inquiry focuses on the Oranje barracks in Schaarsbergen and is concentrating on 10 individuals – six members of the armed forces and four civilians – the public prosecution office has confirmed.

Michael Ruperti, a lawyer for three of the men involved, told the paper other investigations were also underway, but the public prosecution department declined to comment on those claims.

Trauma

‘There is dealing in cocaine, ecstasy and ghb at parties,’ one corporal told the paper.

Ruperti told the paper the drugs use is the result of the trauma of active service in Afghanistan. The Dutch armed forces were involved in peace-keeping in the southern province of Uruzgan from 2006 to 2010.

‘Most veterans cannot cope with their experiences,’ he said. The defence ministry should do more to take care of veterans on their return, he told the paper.

Soldiers can be sacked on the spot for using drugs.