A Dutch army captain who last year received the highest military decoration, for bravery shown in Afghanistan, has been questioned by police as a suspect in a drugs case.

The defence ministry has confirmed media reports that former Captain Marco Kroon is suspected of drugs possession and violating the gun law. The police investigation is focusing on a cafe the former soldier is running in the town of 's-Hertogenbosch. Mr Kroon's partner has also been questioned. In December, police arrested four people involved in the same case and seized weapons during a number of house searches.

Last year Queen Beatrix made platoon commander Kroon a Knight of the Military William Order, the country's highest military honour. It was the first time in 50 years the honour had been awarded to an individual.

The defence ministry has expressed shock but stresses that Captain Kroon showed exceptional bravery during commando actions in the Afghan province of Uruzgan.

(c) Radio Netherlands Worldwide