Recent reports of students found with drugs in primary schools indicate schools intolerance of such activity.

But teachers were not trying to have youngsters prosecuted.

Chief Education Officer Joseph Christopher yesterday told the media teachers were simply carrying out their duty under the Code of Conduct to ensure the safety of students.

Admitting schools were a natural target for drug dealers, Dr. Christopher said education officials were working with Police and the National Drug Commission to ensure that teachers were aware of tell-tale signs of drug activity.

Parents, he said, also needed to be vigilant.

However, Dr. Christopher noted that teachers were not about to begin searching all students' bags.

Head of Police' Community and Juvenile Services Sgt. Clarke Minors said Police had officers who visited schools frequently and talked to youngsters about the dangers of using drugs and other abuses.

"We have reach officers in schools basically taking the role of mentor, inspirer, and motivator,'' Sgt. Minors said.

"As a member of Community and Juvenile Services I've also conducted lock-ins where we talk to students about a variety of issues after school hours.'' Police also had a juvenile liaison programme for first-time offenders who are under 16, head of Police crime prevention Insp. Archie Husbands said.

Youngsters in the scheme are monitored by Police and Probation Services for six months.

"During the course of the supervision we communicate to them the ramifications of choices,'' he said.

Both Insp. Husbands and Parish constable Hashim Estwick said the Police Schools Liaison Programme had also proven to be effective so far in helping youngsters open up to Police.