LONDON: A 22-year-old Sikh soldier, a Coldstream Guardsman, who had created history by becoming the first turbaned man during an annual parade to mark British Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday ceremony, could be removed from his post after he was allegedly tested positive for cocaine.
Charanpreet Singh Lall came into limelight in June 2018, after he was seen wearing the turban during Trooping the Colour in June.
According to reports, Mr Lall is one of the three soldiers who failed a random drugs test at Windsor’s Victoria Barracks, having registered “high levels” of cocaine.
Singh joined the British Army in January 2016, having moved to the UK from Punjab as a baby.
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.”
Drugs abuse is incompatible with military service and those caught taking drugs can expect to be discharged.
