refuse to take a drug test and receive treatment.

The students were caught smoking marijuana on school property Thursday morning.

According to a Police statement, narcotics officers were called to the school after a teacher discovered a group of students "and the very strong scent of marijuana'' near the gymnasium.

Police spokeswoman Evelyn James-Barnett said the matter was reported to the school principal who summoned Police.

"On arrival, Police spoke with the students,'' she said. "Several of the students admitted being involved and were suspended by the principal for five days.'' Warwick Secondary principal Patricia Holder could not be reached for comment.

But Chief Education Officer Joseph Christopher, while not naming the school nor disclosing the number of students involved, told The Royal Gazette he had received suspension reports from the principal.

He said the Ministry's new Code of Conduct -- which deals with discipline for substance abuse as well as other issues -- will be enforced.

The code states that where there is reasonable cause to believe that a student is using any drug, the following will ensue: Suspension for five school days; An immediate report to the Police who will remove the controlled drugs from the school premises and take appropriate action which may include prosecution; Mandatory testing for the student; and Mandatory treatment through an appropriate agency.

DRUGS DGS CRIME CRM