Paul Glenholmes, a safety technician for Network Rail, was dismissed in 2020 after testing positive for cocaine during a routine drug test.
He claimed that the positive result was due to ingesting "Inca Tea," which he had purchased at a market and had provided relief for his indigestion. Unknowingly, the herbal tea contained cocaine.
Despite his explanation and his inability to attend a disciplinary hearing due to stress and ill health, he was deemed "wholly blameworthy" for the incident. The tribunal ruled that his dismissal was unfair due to procedural errors during the investigation but he would not receive compensation.