New London - U.S. Coast Guard Academy officials recently punished dozens of cadets for violating the school's drug and alcohol policies, including almost all the cadets in the summer ocean racing program.

An investigation into drug use by cadets this summer, which led to nine sophomore cadets being expelled for using or possessing cocaine or marijuana, revealed that other cadets were drinking underage, condoning underage drinking and purchasing alcohol for minors.

Thirty-two cadets have been punished administratively, which means loss of liberty, demerits, extra work hours, marching tours or writing assignments. The vast majority were in trouble for underage drinking.

Out of the 32 cadets, 29 are sophomores and three are senior cadets who did not stop the underclassmen from drinking or take other appropriate actions.

Two first-class cadets in the ocean racing program were disenrolled for purchasing alcohol for underage cadets during a summer sailing trip, said Capt. John Fitzgerald, commandant of cadets. Both have until Monday to appeal.

Thirteen cadets in the racing program were given lesser punishments for drinking on a vessel or while in port and two first-class cadets were punished for condoning underage drinking.

The superintendent has not yet decided the fate of the final member of the racing group.

There have not been any problems with alcohol since school began, Fitzgerald said.

Earlier this month, the academy brought drug-sniffing dogs into the Chase Hall barracks during a routine inspection of the living quarters.

No drugs were found.

"I'll do everything in my legal means to make sure that these cadets, as future officers, are the right people to uphold the law," said Fitzgerald.

He declined to say whether the dogs would make a return visit.

"The majority of cadets are fantastic, law-abiding, and represent the very best our nation has to offer," he said. "These few instances are disappointing but it's just a blip on radar. It's something we need to address, but we'll move on and continue to put out outstanding officers."

The academy is participating in National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week this week, with tables set up for giveaways and informational pamphlets, alcohol knowledge competitions and peer discussions.

j.grogan@theday.com