F.E. Warren airmen nabbed in drug ring

A member of the 90th Security Forces Squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base on a combat arms training range. (U.S. Air Force) (KEVN)
Published: May. 24, 2018 at 4:12 PM EDT

One airman said he felt paranoia. Another marveled at the vibrant colors. A third admitted, "I absolutely just loved altering my mind."

Meet service members entrusted with guarding nuclear missiles that are among the most powerful in America's arsenal.

Air Force records obtained by The Associated Press show they bought, distributed and used the hallucinogen LSD and other mind-altering illegal drugs while off duty as part of a ring that operated undetected for months on F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming.

After investigators closed in, one of the accused airmen deserted to Mexico.

Investigators cracked the drug ring in March 2016. Fourteen airmen were disciplined. Six of them were convicted in courts martial of LSD use or distribution or both.