US Navy Uncovers Extensive Drug Distribution Network on USS Ronald Reagan Aircraft Carrier

A major drug distribution network was uncovered aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, a US Navy aircraft carrier stationed in Japan, following the death of a 22-year-old sailor in March 2023. The sailor fell from his quarters in Yokosuka, Japan, and a post-mortem revealed LSD traces in his system, prompting a broad investigation by the Navy's Criminal Investigative Service. The inquiry exposed a scheme involving the smuggling and distribution of hundreds of LSD tablets and psilocybin mushrooms among crew members.

According to Navy officials and court documents revealed by Stars and Stripes, 58 sailors were disciplined in connection with the case. The investigation began officially on May 2, 2023, and quickly led to confessions and the identification of additional participants. The network used the US postal service to send thousands of psychedelic tablets to Japan, which were then distributed on the carrier.

Key figures included Angel Tucker, who received seven shipments of LSD totaling between 350 and 1,000 tablets each from February 2022 to May 2023. Tucker admitted to multiple drug-related offenses, including distribution and smuggling into a military vessel, and was sentenced to 15 months in prison and discharged from service, with his sentence reduced due to cooperation. Another sailor, Brandon Diaz, pleaded guilty to distributing LSD and psilocybin mushrooms and was sentenced to 215 days in prison, salary forfeiture, and discharge after some charges were dropped due to procedural violations.

Six sailors faced court-martial, with all convicted receiving prison sentences and demotions to private rank. In total, 24 sailors were administratively discharged, mostly under dishonorable conditions, and 28 received disciplinary punishments such as confinement, extra duties, demotion, and fines. The Navy had initially acknowledged an ongoing investigation in 2023 but only disclosed the full scope after court documents and official statements surfaced. Lieutenant Commander James Adams, a spokesperson for the carrier, described the investigation as comprehensive, emphasizing that all involved were held accountable.