An investigation is underway after suspected cocaine was discovered in the accommodation quarters in an Irish army barracks - which could lead to a soldier getting sacked.
The substance, believed to be a small amount for personal use, was discovered after members of the Military Police Corps searched the accommodation quarters at Cathal Brugha Barracks as part of a routine search.
The operation was carried out last Monday, August 22 at the accommodation quarters at the base on Dublin’s southside.
It is understood several grams of suspected cocaine was seized which have now been sent by the Military Police to Forensic Science Ireland at Garda Headquarters for further analysis.
A source told The Star yesterday: “If the substance is found to be cocaine - even for personal use - the soldier involved will undergo a disciplinary process.
“It is an alleged serious breach of military law and once it is determined who the suspected cocaine belonged to, they could face being discharged from the Defence Forces,” the source said.
The Military Police are responsible for the prevention and investigation of offences, enforcement of discipline and general policing of the Defence Forces.
In a statement to The Star yesterday, the Defence Forces confirmed a substance was found.
“On Monday 22 August, the Military Police conducted a routine search of barrack accommodation in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines. This is part of their routine duties.
“A substance was found during this search and has been sent by the Military Police to Forensic Science Ireland, Garda HQ for further analysis,” the statement said.
The Defence Forces has been conducting CRDT (compulsory random drug testing) since its inception in 2003.
“The unlawful possession, supply, or use, of a controlled drug is incompatible with membership of the Defence Forces,” a spokesperson for the Defence Forces said.
Since 2017, a total of 68 members of the Irish Army have failed drug tests for substances including cocaine and cannabis during random drug tests, according to the Defence Force Annual Reports.
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