TANGIPAHOA SCHOOL DRUG SWEEPS PLANNED

HAMMOND -- Tangipahoa Parish deputies will soon begin random, weekly
narcotics sweeps of public junior and senior high schools, officials
said Monday.

About three schools will be checked each week with drug-sniffing dogs.

The searches are expected to begin in about two weeks and also will
look for weapons and alcohol.

Deputies will be checking backpacks, lockers, classrooms and restrooms.

The searches, which will involve students and teachers, are being
conducted in cooperation with school system officials.

Last school year, about six people were arrested on school grounds in
drug-related incidents involving marijuana and pills, the Sheriff's
Office said.

Sheriff Daniel Edwards said people who violate felony provisions of
the controlled substances law on or within 1,000 feet of
school-related property are subject to sentences 1%-times longer than
they would be otherwise.

Those sentences are not subject to parole, probation or suspension,
Edwards said.

Students and teachers should know they cannot bring drugs or weapons
on campus, as Edwards warned newcomers.

Classes started Wednesday.