A 22-year-old Sikh soldier could be expelled from the UK Army after he was tested positive for cocaine, according to a media report.
Charanpreet Singh Lall, who created history by becoming the first to wear a turban during an annual parade to mark British Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday ceremony, is believed to have failed a random blood test.
Insiders told The Sun that Lall registered “high levels” of cocaine.
“Guardsman Lall has been discussing it openly in the barracks. The Guards carry out public duties at the Palace, it’s disgraceful behaviour,” a source was quoted as saying.
Regarding Lall’s future in the Army, the source said: “Anyone caught taking Class A drugs can expect to be dismissed.” However, it is for his commanding officer to take the decision. “Everyone’s shocked. He was put in the limelight and now he’s brought only embarrassment,” the report said.
Along with Lall, two others have failed the test at Windsor’s Victoria Barracks.
Brigadier Christopher Coles, Head of Army Personnel Services Group, said: “I can confirm that a number of soldiers from the Coldstream Guards are under investigation for alleged drugs misuse.”
Lall was born in Punjab and he moved to the UK with his family as a baby. He joined the British Army in January 2016. He garnered international attention in June after he wore a turban during the Trooping of the Colour ceremony.
Speaking to reporters at the ceremony, Lall said: “I hope that more people like me, not just Sikhs but from other religions and different backgrounds will be encouraged to join the army.”
