Kadena Airmen punished for drug use Published Dec. 2, 2009 By 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- An Airman from the 18th Munitions Squadron was found guilty at a special court-martial Dec. 1 for violating, on numerous occasions, the General Order that prohibits use, possession and distribution of the drug known as "Spice." This ruling follows closely on the heels of nearly 20 cases of Airmen who have been punished for the same offense under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. As a result, all of these Airmen have been discharged from the Air Force for drug abuse. "The abuse of illegal drugs, including Spice, is inconsistent with the high standards of professional conduct we expect from members of our Air Force," said Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, 18th Wing commander. "Abusing drugs is a selfish act that can have devastating consequences not only on the user, but on unit morale and effectiveness. Those who abuse drugs should expect a serious, yet just, response from their commander." As stipulated by General Order Number 3, signed by the 18th Wing commander on March 13, 2009, Spice possession or use in any form is illegal at Kadena Air Base. For military members at Kadena, failure to obey this order is a violation of Article 92 of the UCMJ and may result in disciplinary action, to include discharge from the Air Force. Although marketed in several variants, the main psychoactive ingredient found in confiscated variants by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol is HU-210. According to the order, HU-210 "is a synthetic cannabinoid that has the potential to be as much as 800 times more potent than marijuana." Effects from HU-210 include decreased motor function, loss of concentration and impairment of short-term memory.