Summary
A 49-year-old plant service worker was denied a security clearance under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline H (Drug Involvement). The denial stemmed from a lifelong history of drug abuse, involving marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, which included multiple arrests. Specifically, the applicant was arrested in July 1995 for marijuana possession and driving without insurance, and in July 1986 for driving under the influence, violating controlled substance laws, striking a fixed object, and driving without insurance.
A significant factor in the denial was the applicant's failure to fully disclose this extensive drug history on his security clearance application, raising concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness. While the applicant had maintained abstinence from illicit drugs since April 2003, his continued dependence on methadone and a history of previous drug use recurrences were not sufficiently mitigated.
The decision cited disqualifying conditions H.25(a), H.25(b), and H.25(c), while acknowledging mitigating conditions H.26(a), H.26(b)(3), and H.26(d). Ultimately, the applicant's lifelong drug abuse, incomplete disclosure, and ongoing methadone dependence led to the denial of his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has a lifelong history of drug abuse, including multiple arrests and convictions.
- He failed to disclose significant drug use on his security clearance application, which raised concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
- Despite a period of abstinence, the applicant's dependence on methadone and previous recurrences of drug use were not mitigated.
Conditions Referenced
- H.25(a)raisedDrug Abuse
- H.25(b)raisedPositive Test for Illegal Drug Use
- H.25(c)raisedIllegal Drug Possession
- H.26(a)rejectedBehavior Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's lifelong pattern of drug abuse and dependence on methadone indicate a likelihood of recurrence.
- H.26(b)(3)rejectedDemonstrated Intent Not to Abuse Drugs in the FutureThe applicant's history of drug abuse and dependence on methadone do not demonstrate sufficient intent to avoid future abuse.
- H.26(d)rejectedSatisfactory Completion of a Prescribed Drug Treatment ProgramThe applicant has not completed his current treatment program and lacks a favorable prognosis.
Key Rule Quoted
“"No one has a ‘right’ to a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 27, 2006
- Answer filedJan 2, 2007
- Hearing heldMar 13, 2007
- Decision dateApr 6, 2007
Cite For
- Denial Based on a History of Drug Abuse and Failure to Disclose Drug Use on Application
- Impact of Drug Dependence on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of Lifelong Patterns of Substance Abuse in Security Clearance Decisions