150 crew kicked off nuclear subs after drug tests

ALMOST 150 crew working on the nation's fleet of nuclear-powered submarines were turfed out of the Royal Navy in six years after failing drug tests.

- By Matthew Davis

Awarded the Navy's distinctive dolphins badge when they qualified for underwater service, the submariners recorded positive readings for cocaine, cannabis, ecstasy, steroids and benzodiazepine, a drug which can treat anxiety and insomnia.

The Ministry of Defence records showed 146 tested positive between 2018 and 2023. In 40 cases they were actually serving on a submarine at the time.

The MoD said no drugs were actually found in searches of its submarines but the positive tests have raised security concerns.

It is believed some were working on the UK's £15billion ballistic missile vessels, which provide a continually moving nuclear deterrent.