According to Ministry of Defence figures, 175 submariners tested positive for banned or illegal substances including cocaine, cannabis, ecstasy, and steroids between 2018 and 2024. Other banned narcotics found during random, unannounced tests included benzodiazepine, a drug for treating anxiety and insomnia. In 52 of the 175 cases, the submariners were serving on a submarine at the time they were caught.
Almost all have been fired, but a small number of personnel might have been spared punishment if they were unaware the substance was banned or if they had mitigating circumstances. Some who failed drugs tests were working on Britain’s fleet of four Vanguard-class submarines. The submarine service is facing increased pressure, with sailors serving on the Vanguard vessels facing longer stints at sea.
There is no place for drugs in our Armed Forces, and especially in sensitive areas such as the submarine service where there is an increased security risk of drug-takers being blackmailed for classified and sensitive insights.
Former Navy commanders fear some sailors are turning to drugs to cope with the demands they are facing. ' He added, 'The numbers unfortunately reflect the prevalence of drugs in society and that service personnel, often under huge pressure, succumb to temptation like their civilian counterparts. ' Cdr Tom Sharpe, a retired frigate captain, stated, 'Taking drugs on a submarine is unacceptable, and they will be sent to jail.
The numbers unfortunately reflect the prevalence of drugs in society and that service personnel, often under huge pressure, succumb to temptation like their civilian counterparts. However, there should never be an excuse, and zero tolerance is the only right way forward.