Royal Navy submariners sacked after testing positive for cocaine

The Royal Navy has discharged three submariners after they failed a compulsory drug test.

The submariners are understood to have served aboard Vanguard-class submarine HMS Vengeance.

According to UK media reports, the submarine’s crew was tested after cleaners found cocaine packages in the cabins following a run ashore in Florida.

The reports further said the relieved submariners were of lower ranking.

“We can confirm that the individuals who tested positive for cocaine have now all been discharged,” A Royal Navy spokesperson was quoted as saying.

HMS Vengeance is the youngest of the four Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines. The four Vanguard-class  submarines are charged with carrying the United Kingdom’s strategic nuclear deterrent.