Taiwan Mirage fighter pilot under investigation for taking illegal drugs

The pilot of a Mirage 2000 fighter jet has been grounded and put under investigation for taking illegal drugs, the air force said Monday. In February, the air force pilot showed disciplinary problems, including showing up late for work, the military said. A background check showed the officer, who was not named, had a record of taking ketamines at high school and university. The air force ordered medical tests, which turned out positive for the illegal drugs. As a result, the officer was banned from flying and received a major demerit, the air force said. Military prosecutors had taken over the investigation, which could result in legal sanctions. Air force chief Wu Chien-hsing apologized to the public at the Legislative Yuan, and promised the military would tighten its discipline. The case led to calls from lawmakers for the immediate resignation of Defense Minister Chen Chao-min. Taiwan’s military has been hit by a spate of scandals in recent months, the most serious of which involved allegations that senior officers bought promotions. The incident was widely believed to be the motive for President Ma Ying-jeou holding a news conference last month calling for a tougher approach to government corruption.

Posted in: Fighter jet,Taiwan