Twenty Scots soldiers are kicked out the Army after they were caught taking drugs - and a further 10 squaddies are under investigation
Twenty Scots soldiers have been booted out of the Army after they were caught taking drugs - as a further TEN squaddies are under investigation.
Twenty Scots soldiers have been booted out of the Army after they were caught taking drugs - as a further TEN squaddies are under investigation.
An astonishing 30 soldiers in the Royal Regiment of Scotland have tested positive for drugs this year including cannabis and Class-A cocaine.
Twenty soldiers have been discharged while 10 are currently facing disciplinary proceedings.
The ranks of the soldiers involved were private, lance corporal and corporal, sergeant and warrant officer class 2.
The problem of drug use among the armed forces has become such an issue in recent years that hundreds of soldiers in the UK are kicked out every year for substance misuse.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Defence figures have shown cocaine to be the most popular drug used by British troops, followed by cannabis and ecstasy.
Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said: ‘It is incredibly alarming to see positive drug tests in those serving in our armed forces.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland is the senior and only Scottish line infantry regiment of the British Army and boasts around 2,300 serving soldiers
Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said drug use in the armed forces was 'alarming'
‘While this points to stress levels increasing among our troops, it is unacceptable for them to be taking dangerous and illegal substances at any time.
‘This could ultimately have had consequences for other soldiers and the wider public.
‘The Ministry of Defence must work closely with the Royal Regiment to ensure that this level of drug misuse is stamped out, while offering support to soldiers who are turning to these substances.’
The 30 soldiers in Scotland who failed drug tests this year is three times the 10 service personnel who tested positive in 2024 – all of whom were discharged.
The latest cases bring the total number of squaddies in Scotland caught out after taking drugs in the last five years to 130, with the vast majority – 110 – discharged as a result.
Army top brass regularly carry out spot checks on military personnel, both when they are serving in war zones and when they are stationed at home.
The failed drugs test remains on their Army records for life, making it difficult for them to find civilian jobs.
Experts have warned of an increasing level of combat stress among troops, with many turning to alcohol and drugs to deal with traumatic illness.