First Sikh soldier tests positive for cocaine, could be expelled from UK Army

The 22-year-old Sikh soldier to create history by becoming the first to wear a turban during an annual parade - Trooping the Colour - to mark British Queen Elizabeth II's birthday ceremony, could be expelled after he was tested positive for cocaine, as per reports. Charanpreet Singh Lall hit the headlines after for donning the turban during the annual parade in June.

However, he was tested positive for cocaine following random drug tests at his barrack, a leading British Daily – The Sun – reported.

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"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 by the report.

"It is for his commanding officer to decide if he gets the boot but anyone caught taking Class A drugs can expect to be dismissed."

"Everyone's shocked. He was put in the limelight and now he's brought only embarrassment," the report said.

Lall is among the three soldiers to have failed the drug test at Windsor’s Victoria Barracks.

"I can confirm that a number of soldiers from the Coldstream Guards are under investigation for alleged drugs misuse," said Head of Army Personnel Services Group, Brigadier Christopher Coles.

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Lall moved to the UK with his family after taking birth in Punjab and joined the British Army in January 2016.

Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her birthday on April 21, however, the Trooping of the Colour ceremony takes place on any Saturday of June.

The ceremony has honoured the birthday of the sovereign since more than 250 years as the celebrations include display of music, army drills and horsemanship.

(With PTI Inputs)