DOGS IN SCHOOL DRUGS BUST

THREE pupils have been busted in a drugs raid at a local school.
Police using specially trained sniffer dogs uncovered what is believed
to be a quantity of cannabis at the secondary.

The drama took place at Nairn Academy last week as staff and pupils
were preparing for the Christmas break.

Police were called in by the headteacher Jean Godden who had
suspicions of drug-related activity in the school grounds.

Three pupils were removed from classes and have been excluded from the
school pending police inquiries. They have also been reported to the
Children's Panel.

Parents of all pupils at the school were informed of the incident in a
letter from Mrs Godden. She told parents she called in police
following a tip-off, which said:

"Last session, I sent a letter to all parents outlining discussions I
had with the director of education, the police, the school board,
parent teacher association, staff and pupils regarding the importance
of maintaining a safe environment for pupils and staff.

"The proposal to bring in police dogs specially trained to detect
illegal substances was agreed to by all parties with the assurance
that the exercise would be carried out sensitively.

"Following information I had received, I arranged for the dogs to come
into school.

"I am sorry to inform you that an illegal substance was detected on
the school premises. Three pupils are currently being interviewed by
the police."

Mrs Godden added: "This is disappointing news, but the outcome
demonstrates that the school's approach to the health and safety of
all is the correct one and one which will continue to be pursued in
the future.

"It also highlights the need for parents, school staff and pupils to
be vigilant in keeping our school and community free from the misuse
of drugs."

A spokesman for Northern Constabulary said they were asked by the head
teacher to visit the school following concerns of drug-related
activity in the grounds.

"Officers, along with a police dog handler, visited the school on
Monday, December 17, and as a result three pupils will be the subject
of a report to the Children's Reporter.

"Northern Constabulary will continue to work with the education
department to ensure all pupils can enjoy a safe and substance-free
school environment.

"Several similar operations have been carried out in the past at
schools in Badenoch, Strathspey and Nairn, including Kingussie High
School, Grantown Grammar School and Nairn Academy."

A Highland Council spokesman told the Highland News: "We can confirm
that three senior pupils have been excluded from Nairn Academy
pending school and police investigations into alleged misuse of drugs.

Sniffer dogs were first used in schools in Scotland at Kingussie High
in 2006 when head teacher Eddie Broadley became aware of the presence
of drugs circulating in the school.

He identified a previous incident while head at Glenurquhart High in
Drumnadrochit and took the unprecedented step of inviting police in
with the trained drug busters to sniff out illegal substances when he
moved to Kingussie.