Investigations found that no ‘illicit substances’ were consumed at AFM barracks

Internal investigations opened after allegations of a ‘cocaine party’ at one of the army’s barracks show that “no illicit substances were consumed at the place of work,” the Armed Forces of Malta said on Friday.

In the statement, the AFM referred to allegations that a ‘cocaine party’ was held at Lyster Barracks.

The allegations were made by

Godwin Schembri, a former soldier who was sacked after a video of him making fun of the army’s top brass over a gate installed at the Pembroke ranges went viral.

In a Facebook post, he asked whether it was true that members of B Company had used drugs at the Ħal Far barracks, and whether it was also true that they were later assigned to protect the French embassy carrying guns loaded with live ammunition.

On Monday, the army said that one soldier was dismissed for refusing to take a urine test and that an internal inquiry had been launched following the allegations of the party, which was said to have happened two weeks prior.

“The Armed Forces of Malta would like to affirm that, from internal investigations which have now been concluded, no illicit substances were consumed at the place of work,” the AFM said in a statement on Friday.

“This could be further corroborated by the negative results of the urine drug tests taken by all the soldiers involved. As stated earlier, the only member who refused to take the test was discharged immediately in the interest of the service as per related internal policies.”

“The internal investigation still highlighted certain misdemeanours which could have occurred on the day and disciplinary action will be taken accordingly,” the army said.

The AFM reiterated its firm position of zero tolerance policy for the use of illicit substances.