AWE Aldermaston has returned to business as usual after no drugs were found during an investigation at the weapons establishment.

Earlier this month, Ministry of Defence police officers investigated claims of drugs misuse in the area of building, decommissioning and demolition at AWE, prompting the company to suspend operations in that sector.

An MoD spokesman told The Gazette no drugs had been found and no-one had tested positive in the investigation, during which around 250 contract staff and AWE employees were given drugs tests.

AWE's head of corporate communications Graeme Hammond said work was due to resume today.

He added: "After extensive enquiries, the police have found no evidence to support further action and their investigation has now ended."

He stressed that no staff had been sent home because of the investigation, although the contractors were told that there was no work for them while operations were suspended.

Explaining AWE policy, Mr Hammond said: "We do not condone or tolerate the use of illegal drugs. Dealing in drugs would certainly result in immediate disciplinary action.

"However, we would offer maximum support to any individual who was found to have a drugs problem."