Live rocket launcher smuggled off JBLM prompts probe

Five soldiers are under investigation by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for smuggling a rocket launcher off Joint Base Lewis-McChord, according to law-enforcement sources cited by KING5 in a report that aired Tuesday.

The weapon — an M72 anti-tank weapon armed with a live rocket — was reportedly taken off the base by one soldier and passed around to the other soldiers.

Last year, when one of the troops deployed to Afghanistan, his girlfriend found it in a closet and called the police.

Investigators told KING5 there was no indication the soldiers planned to use the rocket to harm anyone, but that charges are expected to be filed in U.S. District Court for possession of a military-grade weapon.

Army officials at Joint Base Lewis-McChord reached Tuesday afternoon by The Seattle Times confirmed that they are aware of the AFT investigation.

Comments | More in General news, Government | Topics: JBLM, Joint Base Lewis-McChord

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