Scottish ferry staff fail drug checks for weed and cocaine after random tests
FAIL THE HIGH SEA Scottish ferry staff fail drug checks for weed and cocaine after random tests
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STAFF at Scotland's national ferries operator have tested positive for drugs amid random checks, we can reveal.
Caledonian MacBrayne chiefs caught workers for cocaine and cannabis in a £192,000 screening programme.
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Calmac staff failed drug tests for cannabis and cocaine (STOCK IMAGE)
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Three were found to have smoked joints and one had used cocaine between 2022 and 2024.
The data, released through freedom of information, comes as a four-year contract has seen hundreds of staff within the 1,700-strong workforce tested by a third party contractor.
Scottish Tory transport spokeswoman Sue Webber said: 'CalMac have a hard enough job providing adequate services for islanders due to the SNP's chronic mismanagement of the ferry fleet, without having to contend with problem staff.
'And taxpayers fleeced over this scandal should not have to shell out £200,000 just to check if folk are in a fit state to work.'
A total of 222 workers were tested in 2022, with one positive for cannabis.
In 2023, 115 staff were screened resulting in one confirmed cocaine case.
Last year, tests on 159 workers showed two staff had taken cannabis.
And 57 tests so far this year are all clear.
CalMac refused to release the seniority of drug-positive individuals, or which ships or ports they operated from.
The company said: 'Testing is essential for identifying potential risks and deterring misuse.
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'It ensures we maintain a safe working environment.
"We follow best practice in procurement to ensure value for money.'
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