London: The Royal Navy has sacked a total of 63 sailors who tested positive for illegal substances, a media report said Monday.
The sailors were discharged between October 2007 and July 2011, the Daily Telegraph reported.
A total of 29 officials were sacked between October 2010 and September 2011 for a variety of offences, including taking cocaine and ecstasy.
Two women aged 22 and 23 tested positive for cocaine on the HMS Ark Royal in March last year.
The figures were released under the Freedom of Information Act.
The Royal Navy, like the army and Royal Air Force, has a strict anti-drugs policy and sailors have to take regular tests. Those who fail can expect to lose their job.
IANS
First Published: Monday, February 13, 2012, 21:24