Blackwater denies its guards use steroids

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- A sweeping lawsuit by families of victims shot in Baghdad by U.S.-contracted Blackwater guards claims the company condones the use of steroids.

Susan Burke, the lead attorney in the Washington litigation, told CNN the lawsuit is based on a Sept. 16 incident in which 17 people were killed by Blackwater guards.

The suit accuses the North Carolina company of war crimes, wrongful death, assault, negligent hiring, emotional distress and of hiring foreign mercenaries such as ex-Chilean commandos who were barred from security or military work in their home country.

"I think there is a whole corporate culture there that essentially rewards the use of excessive force -- shooting first, asking questions later," Burke told the broadcaster.

However, Blackwater spokeswoman Anne Tyrrell said all company workers face drug tests when they apply and on a quarterly basis.

"Steroids and performance enhancement drugs, both illegal and prescribed, are absolutely in violation of our policy," Tyrrell told CNN.