In January 1996, army psychiatrist Dr. Greg Passey informed his bosses he would testify at the Somali inquiry into the conduct of the now disbanded Canadian Airborne Regiment.

Passey was convinced the anti-malaria drug mefloquine taken by the troops played a role in the shocking behaviour of two soldiers involved in the beating death of Somali civilian Shidane Aron in 1993 during a mission in that country.