UAB TO KEEP DRUG DOGS AFTER METH LAB BUST

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is checking dormitory rooms with
drug dogs this fall in the wake of a methamphetamine lab found in Blount
Hall in February.

"Occasionally there have been, and there also will be, random inspections
by narcotics dogs for our housing facilities," said Andy Marsch, assistant
vice president for student life. "That will be something we continue on a
random basis."

He said the dog searches were instituted after the drug lab was found.

"We were very upset about the situation and we felt we needed to send a
strong message," he said.

Two students and another young man were arrested after tools to make
methamphetamine were found in the suite belonging to one of the students on
the third floor of Blount Hall, 1001 14th St. South. Drug Enforcement
Administration agents also found marijuana, cocaine and prescription drugs
in the suite.

University police arrested two students, Sarah Suzanne Forrest of Florida
and James William Phillips of Hueytown, who no longer attend the school,
Marsch said. Derrick Michael Vann of Trussville also was arrested.

DEA agent Greg Borland said that the case was submitted to federal
authorities for consideration but that he does not know yet whether it will
be prosecuted.

In addition to the dogs, the school conducts daily monitoring of dorms,
room inspections and educational programs for students, programs that
existed last year, too, Marsch said.

"If we find anyone who was involved with illegal drug activity, they will
be removed," he said. "There's no second chances where that is concerned.
We work real hard at providing a safe environment in housing. We're a part
of society and this stuff exists, but our goal is to keep it off campus."