US Navy expelled Vice-President Biden’s son after positive cocaine test

US Vice-President Joe Biden's son was discharged from the US Navy after testing positive for cocaine, an official said.

Hunter Biden, 44, had been a reserve officer since 2012 but failed the drug test last year, said the official familiar with the case.

In a statement, the vice-president's younger son acknowledged his discharge and expressed regret.

"It was the honour of my life to serve in the US Navy, and I deeply regret and am embarrassed that my actions led to my administrative discharge," he said in the statement.

"I respect the navy's decision. With the love and support of my family, I'm moving forward."

There was no public response from the vice-president's office.

Hunter Biden, who held the rank of ensign, had been selected for a commission in 2012 and assigned to a unit in the state of Virginia to work in public affairs. He was discharged from the naval reserves in February this year, according to a US Navy spokesman.

The details of Biden's discharge could not be released under the provisions of privacy law, Commander Ryan Perry said.

Biden had been 42 when he applied for his commission in the reserves, and because of his age he had to obtain a waiver.

The Wall Street Journal reported that he needed a second waiver because of a drug-related charge that he received when he was younger, which officials say is not uncommon.