SCHOOLGIRLS SUSPENDED OVER DUBIOUS BISCUITS

Three students at Otago Girls High School have been suspended for
sharing a batch of allegedly cannabis-laced biscuits in a maths class.

The 14- and 15-year-old girls were discovered nibbling on the biscuits
just after 9am by a teacher who was suspicious of the green-specked
food.

None of the girls suffered any obvious effects, but they were
suspended until the board of trustees can meet to discuss the issue.
The board is obliged to meet within eight days.

Five biscuits were handed to the police for testing.

They have been sent to the Institute of Environmental Science and
Research (ESR) and Dunedin police said yesterday that it could take "a
couple of weeks" to get the results.

Police would have to confirm what substance was in the biscuits before
taking the matter further.

Principal Jan Anderson was disappointed about the incident, but said
if the tests showed there was no cannabis in the biscuits, she would
ask the board to lift the girls' suspensions.

Inquiries made after the incident on Monday led police to a Dunedin
house where a 41-year-old woman was arrested and charged with
possession of cannabis.

She is to appear in Dunedin District Court.