18 May 2025 , 10:10
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Infantry regiment The Rifles has one of the worst records, with at least 151 failing compulsory drugs tests between 2017 and 2025
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.
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.”
Head of Investigations