Regiment recruits, The Royal Gazette has learned.

According to a reliable source three rookies suspected of taking marijuana were locked up for several hours.

But this was denied by the Regiment's second-in-command of Training Company Capt. Brian Gonsalves.

Capt. Gonsalves admitted there had been a "rumour of a suspicion'' of drug-taking among some recruits.

He added, however, no evidence had been found to substantiate it.

"It was disproved,'' he said.

News of the investigation comes amid widespread concern about drugs in the community, including the Regiment.

A four-hour amnesty was held on Sunday aimed at getting recruits on the annual 15-day camp to hand in contraband, such as weapons and drugs.

Capt. Gonsalves said the Regiment's amnesty, which lasted from 8 a.m. to noon, was a reflection of the times.

"I think you have to look at today's world. Things are changing, just as you now use computers as opposed to typewriters,'' he told The Royal Gazette .

In the event, nothing illegal was handed in during the amnesty, Capt.

Gonsalves added.

"I think there were just a few Swiss army knives handed over.'' According to sources, the alarm about possible drug-taking was sounded on Monday evening.

"Someone had detected the smell of joints. All that's needed is a suspicion of taking drugs for people to be locked up in the guard room,'' the source said.

The source added a search for evidence of marijuana was carried out, but nothing was found.

"The three recruits were held for several hours, interrogated and then released.

"I think this was attempt to scare them and make an example of them to the others.'' The source said recruits had been lectured about the dangers of drugs.

Regiment commanding officer Lt. Col. David Burch could not be reached for comment.

Some 155 recruits are taking part in this year's camp which began on Sunday.

This week they have been learning the characteristics and safety handling procedures of the mini-ruger rifle, basic field craft, marching drills, Regimental history and organisation.