The Defence Force has confirmed that several soldiers needed hospital treatment after being taken into custody for taking an unknown substance.
Police say eight men in Palmerston North were treated in hospital after suffering the effects of taking an unknown substance.
Police were called to central Palmerston North around 3:40am this morning.
The men were taken into custody by police then taken to Palmerston North Hospital for treatment.
It is unknown what substance the group were taking, but an investigation is continuing.
A Defence Force spokeswoman says any charges will be at the discretion of police.
It's not known how many soldiers were involved or whether they have returned to duty.
"This is a timely reminder to people of the dangers of taking substances where they don't know the source," says Senior Sergeant Steve Crawford.
"If you are taking a substance that you don't know where it is from or what it contains, you are taking very serious risks with your health and you are putting your life at risk."
3 News / RadioLIVE
