Soldiers test positive for drugs

Updated 09.50 Thu Mar 22 2007

Keywords: Army, Lt Col Paul Harkness, Royal Regiment of Scotland, drugs

The Army careers of 20 soldiers have been left in tatters after they tested positive for drugs.

The troops from the Royal Regiment of Scotland had taken a mix of cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis and amphetamine.

"There is no room for people who take illegal drugs in this battalion" - Lt Col Paul Harkness

One of those tested at Glencorse Barracks base in Penicuik, Midlothian, had previously tested positive and faces an automatic discharge, while the remainder are fighting to save their careers.

The Regiment belongs to the Royal Highland Fusiliers which last faced compulsory drug testing in June 2006.

Only one sample came back positive, meaning that the latest results signal a 20-fold increase.

Their commanding officer, Lt Col Paul Harkness, said: "There is no room for people who take illegal drugs in this battalion. The Army policy on illegal drugs is quite clear - they are incompatible with military service and will not be tolerated."

He added: "Whilst I am naturally disappointed with this small minority who have failed to live up to our values and standards, I am pleased they have been caught as a result of the Army's rigorous testing procedure."

"These individuals must not be allowed to blacken the good name of this battalion and the vast majority of its soldiers who do not take drugs."