UAB USING DRUG DOGS TO SEARCH DORMS AFTER METH LAB FOUND

BIRMINGHAM - The University of Alabama at Birmingham is using drug dogs to
check dormitory rooms after a methamphetamine lab was found in Blount Hall
in February.

The searches began after the drug lab was found, said Andy Marsch, assistant
vice president for student life.

"That will be something we continue on a random basis," he said. "We were
very upset about the situation, and we felt we needed to send a strong
message."

Two students and another young man were arrested after authorities
discovered tools to make methamphetamine in one of the students' suites.
Drug Enforcement Admin-istration 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 he does not know if the case will be prosecuted
but that it was submitted to federal authorities for consideration.