19 soldiers discharged for drugs

Nineteen soldiers from the same battalion have been discharged from the Army after failing drugs tests, it was confirmed yesterday. The soldiers - all privates and lance corporals aged 17 to 24 - are from the Royal Anglian Regiment, 2nd Battalion.

They were subjected to random testing for a cocktail of drugs including LSD, ecstasy, cannabis and amphetamines and proved positive in a June operation mounted by military police. All have been discharged following the test results but two are appealing, the Army confirmed yesterday.

The findings were not made public at the time but have leaked out while the battalion is on leave before heading for a Cyprus posting.

The drugs shame of the regiment, whose Colonel in Chief is the Queen Mother, came on the day that the Government announced the SAS would be taking a key role in the international war on drugs. They are to be involved in a joint operation with MI5 and the Secret Intelligence Service.