One soldier has been dismissed and an internal inquiry has been launched following allegations that a number of AFM soldiers took part in a “cocaine party” two weeks ago.

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 Hal Far barracks, and whether it was also true that they were later assigned to protect the French embassy carrying guns loaded with live ammunition.

In a statement, the army said it had taken immediate action and an internal inquiry was launched to look into the claims.  

It said the soldiers who were on duty on the day had been asked to undergo a urine test to see if they had used any illegal substances. All soldiers but one accepted to undergo the test. All of them tested negative. The soldier who refused the test was fired “in the interest of the service.”

The AFM said this was in line with its zero-tolerance policy on drugs. It said it will now wait for the conclusions of the inquiry before taking any necessary measures.