Senior Defence Forces officer on administrative leave pending tests of suspected illegal drugs 

Members of the Defence Forces on parade at Cathal Brugha Barracks. It was at the barracks that a sniffer dog detected the suspected drugs in a locker. Picture: Sam Boal/Photocall

A senior Defence Forces officer has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of tests into the suspected illegal drugs found in his possession.

The drugs were found after a drugs dog on a training exercise picked up the scent of the drugs in a locker at Cathal Brugha Barracks in Dublin.

The dog is then understood to have also picked up a scent of drugs in a car.

As a result, a number of soldiers were interviewed and one of them - a commissioned officer - was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of garda inquiries.

This is one of a number of drugs-related incidents this year in the Defence Forces.

A total of 115 personnel have been sacked by the Defence Forces in the past 10 years after testing positive for illegal drugs.

There were a total of 960 drug tests completed, resulting in 16 positive results, in 2023.

This year so far, there have been seven positive results after the Defence Forces conducted drug tests on 1126 personnel.

Sources have told the Irish Examiner that the officer involved said they had been to Electric Picnic and one of the people he gave a lift to might have had drugs on them.

A Defence Forces spokesperson said: “At a recent exercise conducted by the Defence Forces in collaboration with Customs and Excise at Cathal Brugha Barracks, suspected illegal substances were discovered.

This search, organised by the Defence Forces, underscores our commitment to proactive measures against drug misuse within the organisation.

“This initiative aligns with our zero-tolerance policy regarding illegal drug use among our personnel.” 

They added: “If the substances are confirmed to be illegal and the property of a member of the Defence Forces, that individual will face disciplinary action in accordance with our standard operating procedures.

“Currently, this member has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing.

“We remain dedicated to maintaining a safe and drug-free environment within our ranks.”