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Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Almost 7,000 troops have been booted out of the Armed Forces for taking drugs over the last eight years
Infantry regiment The Rifles has one of the worst records, with at least 151 failing compulsory drugs tests between 2017 and 2025 MARCHING ORDERS Almost 7,000 troops have been booted out of the Armed Forces for taking drugs over the last eight years Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ALMOST 7,000 troops have been booted out of the Armed Forces for taking drugs over the last eight years, figures show. The Army alone is sacking about 500 soldiers — the size of a battalion — every year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Infantry regiment The Rifles has one of the worst records, with at least 151 failing compulsory drugs tests between 2017 and 2025. Ministry of Defence figures showed cocaine was by far the most popular drug used, followed by cannabis and ecstasy. Former commander Colonel Richard Kemp said: 'Most who take illegal drugs do so on leave outside the military environment, often under pressure from mates back home. "But there is no place for drug abuse in the Armed Forces.' The MoD said tests ensured 'maximum deterrence.' An MoD spokesperson: 'Substance abuse is unacceptable in the Armed Forces and we have run the Armed Forces Compulsory Drug Testing (AFCDT) Programme since January 1995. 'We robustly enforce a zero tolerance policy to drug use by all those who serve and provide an education programme to inform all personnel of the dangers and consequences of substance misuse. 'We maintain a comprehensive programme of compulsory random drug testing to ensure maximum deterrence. "Anyone found to have misused drugs faces severe consequences, including discharge from service.' British soldier appears to snort suspicious white substance in video published to social media
The Irish Sun
17-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Almost 7,000 troops have been booted out of the Armed Forces for taking drugs over the last eight years
ALMOST 7,000 troops have been booted out of the Armed Forces for taking drugs over the last eight years, figures show. The Army alone is sacking about 500 soldiers — the size of a battalion — every year. Advertisement Infantry regiment The Rifles has one of the worst records, with at least 151 failing compulsory drugs tests between 2017 and 2025. Ministry of Defence figures showed cocaine was by far the most popular drug used, followed by cannabis and ecstasy. Former commander "But there is no place for drug abuse in the Armed Forces.' Advertisement Read More on UK News The MoD said tests ensured 'maximum deterrence.' An MoD spokesperson: 'Substance abuse is unacceptable in the Armed Forces and we have run the Armed Forces Compulsory Drug Testing (AFCDT) Programme since January 1995. 'We robustly enforce a zero tolerance policy to drug use by all those who serve and provide an education programme to inform all personnel of the dangers and consequences of substance misuse. 'We maintain a comprehensive programme of compulsory random drug testing to ensure maximum deterrence. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive "Anyone found to have misused drugs faces severe consequences, including discharge from service.' British soldier appears to snort suspicious white substance in video published to social media 1 Almost 7,000 troops have been booted out of the Armed Forces for taking drugs over the last eight years, figures show Credit: Getty
