SOLDIERS from a Kent-based regiment have tested positive for class A drugs.

Seventeen members of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders failed tests following a week-long break in the Mexican resort of Cancun and face being thrown out of the Army.

The Army has refused to say which drugs the men tested for, but recreational drugs which fall into the class A category include heroin, ecstasy and cocaine.

The troops, based at Howe Barracks, Canterbury, went to Mexico after six weeks' training in the jungles of Belize in September.

They were tested upon arriving back at the barracks in Belize as part of the Army's random testing programme.

The Argylls are due to travel to Afghanistan in the New Year.

Capt Nick Moffat, who is based with the battalion at Canterbury, said: "This is, of course, very bad news.

"We will carry out a full investigation and the disciplinary process will be started and then they will be dealt with in the appropriate manner."