Soldiers test positive for drugs

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Eight soldiers from the same battalion have tested positive for illegal drugs, the Ministry of Defence has said.

A compulsory drug test showed traces of cocaine and cannabis in the eight men, from the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, in July.

An MoD spokesman said "internal action" would be taken against the soldiers.

The 2nd Battalion returned from Cyprus to the UK in March and are now on ceremonial duties that include guarding the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

'Appropriate action'

An Army source told the News of the World newspaper that the men had "let the battalion down".

"These are not just daft kids," he said. "Most are experienced men who should know better. It's taken the shine off what should be proud days for the battalion."

An MoD spokesman added: "The Army treats drug taking very seriously and appropriate action is being taken against all eight soldiers."

Earlier this month, nine soldiers from the 2nd Battalion were acquitted of starting a mass brawl in a bar in Ayia Napa, Cyprus.

The defendants had been celebrating finishing tours of Iraq and Afghanistan when a fight began in the Bedrock Inn on 2 February.

The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers was formed in 1968 by the amalgamation of the four English fusilier regiments, the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, the Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers, the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) and the Lancashire Fusiliers.

The 2nd Battalion left Belfast at the end of 2005 and moved to Cyprus for two years.

In March 2008 they moved to London and are now involved in ceremonial public duties. They are expected to be redeployed on operations in 2009.