Three gunners have been expelled from the Armed Forces of Malta after testing positive for drug use, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi confirmed.

Replying to a parliamentary question by Labour MP Joe Debono Grech, Dr Gonzi said that 33 gunners, a lance bombardier, two bombardiers, two sergeants and one lieutenant were tested for drugs since the beginning of the year.

He said that every member of the AFM was subject to random drug checks. Anybody who refused to undergo a check or tested positive was summarily dishonourably discharged.

Dr Gonzi said drug abuse was considered a “serious offence incompatible with military service” and discrediting the armed forces in the public eye.

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