ESQUIMALT, B.C. - A former navy petty officer originally accused of drug smuggling aboard a Canadian warships has been found guilty of conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline and fined $2,000.
Former Petty Officer Christopher Carlson has also been formally dismissed from the navy for misconduct.
In sentencing Carlson, Canada's chief military judge said the case was a prime example of blatant disregard of Canadian Forces drug policy and an absolute abdication by a non-commissioned officer of his roles and responsibilities
But the judge noted that there was no evidence that Carlson was ever involved in cocaine trafficking on board the HMCS Saskatoon, a charge that was dropped at the start of his court martial earlier this week,
There was no evidence that Carlson ever used cocaine aboard HMCS Saskatoon but that he was involved in drug use with subordinates on his days off.
Four members of the small warship faced court martial as a result of a military sting operation in early 2006 -- the one was simply fined and two were handed suspended jail sentences as well as fines.
