STUDENTS at Newton Abbot's Coombeshead College have come out 'clean' after a surprise drugs search was conducted by police on Tuesday afternoon.
The operation, involving Newton Abbot police officers, the Tactical Aid Group from Ashburton, the Area Targeting Police Team from Paignton and drug sniffer dogs, was requested by principal Richard Haigh as part of the College's drugs education policy. Only himself and four other members of staff were aware of the operation prior to Tuesday.
The police swooped on 250 year 10 students during an afternoon assembly. The 14-15 age group has been highlighted as the most likely to be engaged with illegal drug use in schools.
Five pupils who were identified by sniffer dogs were searched but no substances were found.
Mr Haigh said he was pleased but not surprised by the operations outcome. 'I am very pleased that I can be proud of all of my students, but the outcome was not unexpected because yesterday's operation was just an overt part of our continuing background work with our drugs education programme. We take a unique approach with our pastoral team and have a Student Support who focus specific efforts on issues like this.
'The students were all pleased that we are taking such strong action. The vast majority of them want the college to be a secure, safe place where they can feel comfortable. It is too early to get a reaction from most parents, but those I have spoken too have been supportive. They would prefer it if it could be dealt with without operations like this, but they understand that it sends out the right message; that we take a tough line on drugs.
Having the sniffer dogs and the police at the college may seem heavy but students must know that drugs are a serious matter; they are illegal, and will not be tolerated here.
'If Tuesday's operation gave a single message it is that prevention is better than cure. Students, parents and prospective parents now know that Coombeshead College does not have a problem with drugs, but we will not rest on our laurels.'