The chairman of a Government school last night reiterated its zero tolerance to drugs after staff seized a quantity of suspicious substances from a pupil.

Narcotics officers were called into Berkeley Institute after school on Tuesday after teachers confiscated five brown paper twists containing white drug-like substances.

They had found the substances on one of the male teenage students earlier in the day. It is not clear how the staff were made aware of the paper wraps, or whether or not the pupil was found trying to pass them on to other students.

Last night, Chairman of the Board Calvin White said the boy at the centre of the Police investigation was still attending school until the substances had been identified.

He said: "He is innocent until proven guilty. We do not know what the substances are yet.

"We have a zero policy on drugs. It may be that the substance is nothing illegal, but any possible incident we have to treat seriously. That is why the Police were involved.

"If the substance is found to be a drug then the pupil will fall under our drug policy.'' Berkeley Institute was one of the first schools on the Island to introduce and make public its policy on drugs.

With drug use among teenagers on the increase, Mr. White said when he unveiled the policy in January 1995 that Berkeley felt it needed to clarify and codify its position.

As a result, students suspected or found to be taking drugs will be: Urged to consult with a guidance counsellor.

May be asked by the Principal if they would undergo a drugs test, with parental consent.

Subjected to their parents or guardians being informed.

Suspended if they refuse to be tested.

Allowed to stay in school if they test positive, provided they undergo treatment.