More than 100 Royal Navy submariners sacked for taking drugs in the past five years, shock stats show
MORE than 100 Royal Navy submarine crew have been booted out for taking drugs in the past five years, stats show.
They tested positive for cocaine, cannabis, ecstasy, and steroids and benzodiazepine.
The figures — released by the Ministry of Defence — show 116 submariners tested positive for drugs between 2018 to 2022.
In 32 cases, the submariners were at sea at the time they failed tests.
It raises concerns as the UK’s submarine fleet carries our nuclear deterrent.
The Navy operates ten submarines, all of which are powered by on-board nuclear reactors.
And four — the Vanguard class — carry Trident nuclear missiles.
One of these four is always at sea.
A spokesman said: “The Royal Navy has a zero tolerance drugs policy and will not tolerate misuse of drugs by any service personnel.
“We maintain a comprehensive programme of compulsory random drugs testing to ensure maximum deterrence.”
In 2022 the Navy launched an inquiry into behaviour on their submarines after claims from women submariners of bullying, sexual assault and harassment.
The report has yet to be published and critics of the Navy have accused it of dragging its feet over the publication of the inquiry.