Plebe is 8th midshipman expelled for spice - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Plebe is 8th midshipman expelled for spice

The Naval Academy has expelled an eighth midshipman for use and possession of the marijuana-like designer drug spice, in connection with a wide-ranging investigation that began last fall.

The former midshipman was a male plebe, as academy freshmen are known, according to academy spokeswoman Deborah Goode. Goode declined Thursday to go into any details on the student or the progress of the investigation, citing privacy concerns.

Seven midshipmen were kicked out of the school in January, after a midshipman tipped off academy officials last fall to spice usage in the brigade.

“USNA has a ‘zero tolerance’ drug use policy. Spice in particular has a devastating effect on students who need to study and retain knowledge,” Superintendent Vice Adm. Michael Miller said in a statement. “While the Navy is rapidly improving its detection methods, confirming spice use typically requires extensive investigation and corroborating evidence.”

Miller said the investigation remains ongoing.

Spice is a banned substance in the Navy, but the Drug Enforcement Administration has not prohibited it, and only 18 states have placed any restrictions on its sale. Maryland is not one of them.

Spice, sold under a variety of brand names, is still on sale at convenience stores and smoke shops across the state.