DRUG SEARCH WARNING FOR STUDENTS

BLENHEIM -- Random drug searches are on their way at Blenheim's two high
schools.

Yesterday 600 junior students at Marlborough Girls' College saw a search
demonstration by a police dog.

Principal Greta Firth said the exercise was part of a joint programme with
Marlborough Boys' College.

Parents were sent a letter last week explaining the programme and asking for
their support. The letter also served as a warning to students that police
would be on site yesterday and today.

"In the future if we have any suspicions or feel we need to do so, we will
bring the dog in without warning," Ms Firth said.

German shepherd Charlie yesterday uncovered a bag of cannabis planted in a
school bag.

Constable Peter Halligan said the students saw how quickly he uncovered the
drug.

"He can smell it in a bag, in a pocket or on your hands. Once he sniffs it
out, he then begins biting, trying to get at it."