Drugs raid on barracks just yards from Windsor Castle: Troops from elite Coldstream Guards undergo body searches as they return to base after weekend… but no illegal substances are found and no arrests made
- Troops from Coldstream Guards were subjected to body searches on Monday
- The anti-drugs operation was conducted as they returned to Victoria Barracks
- Sniffer dogs were brought in but no drugs were found and no arrests were made
Police with sniffer dogs have launched a drugs raid on a barracks just yards from the Queen’s official Windsor residence.
Troops from the elite Coldstream Guards were subjected to body searches on Monday morning as they returned to Victoria Barracks after the weekend.
The anti-drugs operation comes just three weeks after two of the regiment’s senior Non-Commissioned Officers were arrested on suspicion of stealing ammunition. They were released on bail pending further inquiries.
Troops from the elite Coldstream Guards (stock image during inspection by Queen) were subjected to body searches on Monday morning as they returned to Victoria Barracks after the weekend
Military police and civilian officers from Thames Valley Police were trying to catch any troops who may have been bringing Class A drugs into the base – just 400 yards from Windsor Castle.
But no drugs were found and no arrests were made.
Defence sources confirmed last night that the raid was requested by Coldstream Guards commanders.
Recently soldiers from the unit, which protects the Queen and performs ceremonial duties, failed a Compulsory Drugs Test (CDT). They now face being kicked out of the Army.
Military police and civilian officers from Thames Valley Police were trying to catch any troops who may have been bringing Class A drugs into the base – just 400 yards from Windsor Castle (pictured)
The Coldstream Guards is the oldest continuously serving regiment in the British Army.
Earlier this month, the Daily Mail also revealed how ten soldiers had been kicked out of the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Horse Artillery, after taking cocaine and cannabis at an illegal party.
Last night the MoD said: ‘We can confirm that there was a military police-led operation involving civilian police at Victoria Barracks on February 15. No arrests were made and no illicit substances were found.’