Six Queen’s Guard soldiers arrested in a ‘drug sting’ days before the Platinum Jubilee parade

The Royal Military Police arrested six Irish Guardsmen and one Coldstream Guards veteran on suspicion of conspiracy to supply drugs, moneylending and money laundering offences

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Soldiers from the Queen’s Force were arrested in a ‘drug sting’ just days before the Platinum Jubilee parade.

Six serving members of the Irish Guards were held on suspicion of trafficking in illegal substances and conducting a loansharking operation.

The regiment was due to lead the Trooping of the Color in traditional red tunics next Thursday (2 June) as the Royal Family looks on from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

A former Coldstream Guards sergeant was also arrested.

The suspects were arrested in raids across Hampshire, Berkshire, North Wales and Northern Ireland on Wednesday.

According to a report, the sting was directed by the Royal Military Police and took several months to orchestrate.

They are alleged to have conspired to supply drugs, lend money and other money laundering offences.

Five were released on bail.

An army spokesman told the Mirror: “As part of a planned operation, the Royal Military Police arrested six Irish Guardsmen and a veteran Coldstream Guardsman from across the UK on suspicion of conspiracy to supply drugs and moneylending and money laundering offences.

“The Army does not condone any illegal or fraudulent conduct.

“As this is now the subject of an independent investigation by the Royal Military Police, it is inappropriate to comment further.”

The MOD added that there had been no arrests at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

And none of the soldiers under investigation will take part in the planned Queen’s Platinum Jubilee parades.

The Queen’s Guard led a Trooping the Color parade last Saturday and is due to lead another next week.

A source at Mons Barracks in Aldershot, Hants, where the 1st Battalion Irish Guards are stationed, told The Sun: “They came in like the DEA (US Drug Enforcement Administration) – they kicked in doors.

“There was no warning. We were told that they had been planning the surgery for months.

“It wasn’t just the barracks. They searched the soldiers’ homes outside the base. It all comes as a huge shock.”

Buckingham Palace declined to comment when approached by the Mirror.