Saltus deputy principal Nigel Kermode yesterday refused to comment on reports that a student was caught selling drugs at school.

While confirming that two male students were "disciplined'' and one of them was expelled, Mr. Kermode said he believed the issue was an internal matter for the school and the students' parents.

However, he stressed that the school had a "very clear'' anti-drug policy which was supportive of students and supported by their parents.

Saltus' principal Trevor Rowell was off the Island and unavailable for comment yesterday.

School won't comment on report linking students to drugs But under Saltus' drug policy, which was introduced more than ten years ago, students are immediately dismissed if they are caught selling drugs or refuse to be drugtested.

However, the school's former principal Keith McPhee has stressed that the policy is "not punitive''.

Two years ago, he told The Royal Gazette the drug programme was introduced in April, 1985 "not because there was a problem'', but to prevent problems.

If any student is suspected of using drugs, the parents are contacted immediately.

Parents are then informed that the student will have to take a drug test which is kept strictly confidential, Mr. McPhee said.

If the test comes back negative, the school issues an apology. But if the test is positive, the student can either remain in school providing he or she agree to be counselled at school and/or Addiction Services.

But if the student refuses to receive help, he or she is expelled.

A similar policy exists in the public school system under the Code of Conduct which was released last year.

DRUGS DGS