DOG SNIFFS OUT HIGH SCHOOL DRUG RING

A routine search of Carson High School by a drug-sniffing dog resulted in
the arrest of five students over a two-day period on drug charges.

"At 10:30 a.m. Tuesday our officer was conducting a random K9 search in the
(Jim Randolph High Tech Center) when the dog reacted to a jacket that was
lying on the floor," said Chief Deputy Scott Burau.

Inside the jacket, Burau said, officers found "small baggies of marijuana."

"Two female students, 15 and 16 years old, readily admitted to being in
possession of the drugs," he said.

Burau said the students went on to tell officers there were additional drugs
hidden in a drop location in the girl's bathroom of the Tech Center.

The Carson City Sheriff's Department recovered a total of 26 grams of
marijuana packaged for sale in 5-gram baggies, Burau said.

The juveniles were charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell.

Another student, also a ninth-grader, was arrested when the drug dog, Tahoe,
discovered another bag of marijuana in his jacket. He was charged with
possession of marijuana.

Burau said the investigation led to a home on Carson Meadows Drive early
Wednesday morning where two teens were also found in possession of
marijuana.

None of the students have been in trouble before, he said.

"We enjoy great cooperation between the Sheriff's Department and the
school," Burau said.

Superintendent Mary Pierczynski was pleased with the arrests.

"We don't want this junk at the schools," said Pierczynski. "They found some
drugs on some students and they took appropriate action. We want students
arrested."

Dean Fred Perdomo wouldn't speak directly about the students arrested
Tuesday but said the school's response is dictated by standing policy.

"Discipline for possession or being under the influence of a controlled
substance is anywhere from 10 to 90 days," he said. "It depends on prior
discipline, if a major amount is found and if its packaged for sale."

Dog handler Deputy Brian Humphrey conducts at least two random drug searches
at the school per week.

"We're not naive to think there aren't drugs in the school," Burau said.
"But with the cooperation and assistance of the schools we will continue to
enforce a drug-free environment."