KODIAK, Alaska (AP) – The U.S. Coast Guard says criminal proceedings have been initiated against 12 service members following an investigation into possible drug activity on Alaska’s Kodiak Island.

The Kodiak Daily Mirror reports the agency removed several members in Kodiak from duty last fall as investigators examined allegations of members using illegal drugs.

The agency says six more members were disciplined at nonjudicial punishment proceedings, and they’re “being processed for separation.”

Lt. Cmdr. Raymond Reichl says the nonjudicial process doesn’t result in criminal convictions.

Capt. Melissa Rivera, chief of staff for the 17th Coast Guard District, says drug use by members violates the agency’s policy as well as federal law.

The Coast Guard did not release the names of the service members facing criminal charges.

Information from: Kodiak (Alaska) Daily Mirror, http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com