Record number of soldiers booted out of Army last year for using illegal drugs

A RECORD number of soldiers were booted out of the Army last year for using illegal drugs.

Some 700 got their marching orders after taking substances including cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine, cannabis and steroids.

Troops from prestigious regiments including the Household Cavalry and the Foot Guards, who protect Buckingham Palace, were among those caught.

Some 160 Navy personnel and 80 from the RAF were also dismissed for testing positive for drugs.

The 940 total across the forces was a nearly 25 per cent rise on the 760 kicked out in 2021 after failing drugs tests.

Last year’s surge in Army offenders is thought to be linked to a Military Police sting which saw five soldiers arrested for allegedly dealing cocaine at a base.

The Royal Artillery gunners were taken into custody and the camp at Larkhill, Wilts, was locked down while other troops were tested for drugs.

Last year Army Sgt Major Paul Carney said “bored soldiers will do bad things”.

The Afghan veteran said troops needed to be treated better and kept busy.

The Ministry of Defence said: “Drug consumption in the UK Armed Forces is below the national average.

“We robustly enforce a zero tolerance policy to drug use by all those who serve and maintain compulsory drugs testing.”