17 soldiers fail drugs test

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The soldiers from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, which is about 500 strong, were tested after returning from a break in the Mexican resort of Cancun.

An MoD spokesman refused to confirm reports that those who were positive had taken class A drugs, including heroin and cocaine.

It is understood the troops will now be disciplined and face being kicked out of the forces.

The spokesman said: "Seventeen members of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders have provided positive samples following a compulsory drugs test at their unit.

"Drugs use is incompatible with life in the armed forces and is not tolerated."

But he added: "Positive test results in the Army over the past four years average about 0.7% compared with more than 7% in civilian work place drug testing programmes."

The Argylls, the 5th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, had been sent to Cancun after an exercise in the jungles of Belize lasting several weeks.

It is understood they were tested on their return.