The abuse of illegal drugs and other banned substances risk serious harm to an individual and can be extremely damaging to a person’s career or home life.
Drug misuse within the Armed Forces significantly threatens the operational effectiveness of the Service, the security of which the nation depends, and the safety of civilian colleagues and service personnel. This is amplified due to the Armed Forces continuously operating in high-risk operational environments, utilising specialised equipment and being reliant on team cohesion for effectiveness.
The use, possession, production or supply of illegal drugs and banned substances are serious disciplinary and criminal offences in the UK Armed Forces, which if proven, can result in a custodial sentence and dismissal from the Service.
All service personnel have a duty to ensure that those under their command, and themselves, are aware of the personal and professional risks and consequences of drug abuse and should commit to do their utmost to develop awareness and instil a culture where the misuse of, or association with, illegal drugs and substances is unacceptable.
The campaign against drug abuse in the Royal Navy begins at the recruitment stage. Applicants and new joiners are informed of the Senior Service’s attitude to drug abuse and will probe the attitudes of potential recruits.
Within the Service, all personnel undertake mandatory training to inform and raise awareness, and importantly, to encourage the immediate reporting of known or suspected incidents of drug misuse.
The Compulsory Drug Testing team also continuously deploy around the globe and without warning, to deter and detect misuse within the Service.
All personnel within the Service community, whether civilian or military and regardless of rank or status, can assist in playing a key part in this effort.
The Service Police confidential crime line is an extremely useful tool in the fight against drugs and available to anyone, including service families.
The confidential crime line – Freephone 0800 085 0658 or military 93835 4278 – allows anyone to report in confidence and anonymity, should they wish, concerns or suspicious activity, this includes drug misuse or any other criminal activity that the individual feels they cannot report through the Chain of Command.
All are strongly encouraged to use this facility and play a part in ensuring that our community is a safe place to live and work.
