'Ecstasy find' on Royal Navy ship

The Cumberland is based at Devonport Naval Base, Plymouth.

An investigation is under way after a substance suspected to be ecstasy was found on board a Royal Navy warship.

A "single individual" was helping with inquiries into the find on HMS Cumberland but no-one had been charged, a Ministry of Defence spokesman said.

Results of tests on the substance were not yet complete, he added.

The substance was left in the mess room by a sailor after a night out in Plymouth, where the ship is based, according to the Sun newspaper.

'Robust policy'

"The special investigation branch are conducting an investigation on HMS Cumberland in relation to the alleged possession of a suspect controlled substance," the spokesman said.

The Royal Navy retains a comprehensive programme of random drug testing for maximum deterrent Ministry of Defence

The Royal Navy had a "very robust" policy on drugs "which would not be tolerated at any time", he added.

"The Royal Navy retains a comprehensive programme of random drug testing for maximum deterrent."

The Cumberland, a type 22 frigate, is based at Devonport Naval Base, in Plymouth.

In May, HMS Cumberland played a major role in finding 3.5 tonnes of cocaine on a former torpedo boat in the mid-Atlantic.