Defence and drugs - Random tests needed in all jobs

THE news that 28 members of our defence forces have tested positive for drug use has — as if it were needed — again underlined the all-pervasive nature of this growing problem in our small country.

Over the past five years 20 members of the defence forces have been discharged because of positive drug tests.

This year 1,808 tests taken under the Compulsory Random Drug Testing (CRDT) programme found that six members have tested positive for cannabis or amphetamines. Last year, four members tested positive for cannabis, one for cocaine and two for amphetamines.