WASHINGTON (NNS) — The Navy announced Monday that it will begin random testing of urine samples this month for synthetic chemical compounds like Spice.

Commanders may take appropriate actions related to health, safety and security based on a positive result. Every positive sample will be sent to NCIS for further investigation with a view towards potential disciplinary or adverse administrative action by the service member’s command.

“There is zero tolerance for the use of drugs — synthetic or otherwise — in our Navy,” said Vice Adm. Scott R. Van Buskirk, Chief of Naval Personnel. “Synthetic chemical compound drug use impacts a sailor’s career, their family life and overall well-being while also impacting Fleet Readiness. If a sailor makes a poor choice and uses these types of drugs, they need to know that there will be consequences.”

The initial testing will be conducted by a contracted laboratory, with Navy Drug Screening Laboratory capable of conducting in-house testing later this year.

The Navy has been testing urine samples seized from suspects during criminal investigations for nearly a year. Navy and Marine Corps commanders can have urine samples tested for several of the compounds found in Spice-like products at the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) when the sample has been collected in conjunction with an ongoing investigation.

The capacity for testing for designer drugs will continue to expand. During fiscal year 2012 the Navy will invest $1.73 million to test for synthetic chemical compounds and expects to increase that amount to $2.9 million in fiscal year 2013.