SCHOOL DRUG CASES SOAR

The number of drug abuse incidents by pupils in Dundee schools has
more than quadrupled this academic year, with 17 cases recorded,
writes Lynne Stewart.

Figures obtained from Dundee City Council under Freedom of
Information show there were only four incidents in 2004/05.

Last month, a five-year-old pupil at Mossgiel Primary brought home a
bag of the class B drug amphetamine, commonly known as speed. His
father said the boy found it in his work tray.

It sparked outrage that a child had got his hands on an illegal
substance in a primary school.

Police say enquiries are continuing as to how the drug got into the
school. Officers are liasing with director of education Anne Wilson
and the hope to make an announcement next week.

The substance involved in the other 16 cases was cannabis.

A council spokesman said the action taken in each case followed a
laid down procedure which may involve police, parents, exclusion and
the use of specialist agencies.

There had been no recorded incidents of drugs being sold in schools.

The spokesman said, "Dundee City Council cannot discuss specific
cases, but all incidents of this type are dealt with by appropriate
action on a case-by-case basis.

"Guidance on drugs in schools is made clear to pupils and Dundee City
Council will not tolerate incidents of drug use or possession in schools."

Tayside Police say they provide talks to pupils as part of their
commitment to the Drugs and Alcohol Action Team strategy.

There is a drugs education worker based in Dundee who delivers talks
to secondary schools, as well as contributing to drug education for
young people outwith the mainstream schooling programme.

Inspector Wendy Symington, force drugs co-ordinator said, "I would
say Tayside does not suffer from having a population of very young
drug users and most problems caused at the primary seven age group
are through alcohol abuse."

Sergeant Iain Glass of Tayside Police crime reduction unit said,
"That number of incidents (17) does not seem unrealistic.

"When a drugs-related incident is reported we investigate and
depending on the evidence we will report the matter to the children's
panel or the procurator fiscal depending on their age."

Sgt Glass said most drug incidents in schools concerned the misuse of cannabis.

"Teachers receive advice and training so that they are equipped to
notice if a pupil is under the influence of drugs, and if there is a
suspicion of a pupil taking drugs then there are procedures for the
teacher to follow to ensure the welfare of the child," Sgt Glass said.

"There have been incidents where syringes, for example, have been
found in the school grounds, and that doesn't necessarily relate to a pupil.

"There have been incidents where police have gone along to school
grounds where these drugs articles have been found, but that doesn't
mean drug misuse has taken place.

"We would take possession of it and make full enquiries to find out
who is responsible, and where there is evidence we would report the
person to either the children's panel or procurator fiscal."

Parents looking for advice on the dangers of drugs should contact the
Know the Score information line on 0800 587 5879 or log on to
www.knowthescore.info