Drug Control Secretariat reminds of the schools policy on drugs

St. George’s Grenada, Wednesday, September 1, 2010 - MOEPRU - With the new academic year set to commence on September 6th, 2010, officials of the Drug Control Secretariat are reminding Principals, Staff and Students of the School’s Policy on Drugs.

According to the Secretariat in accordance with the National School's Policy on Drugs, " The Ministry of Education expressly forbids the use, sale and distribution of alcohol and alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, hemp, controlled drugs or any mood-altering substances by or at any school function.'

The Secretariat is also informing students that in accordance with the Policy, 'Students are prohibited from using, being under the influence of, possessing, distributing, selling, or being in the chain of sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, hemp, controlled drugs, drug paraphernalia, while at school, or at any school-sponsored event.'

The Policy, which was approved by cabinet in 2002, has four principal goals:-

• To promote a healthy lifestyle among students, free of drug use.
• To provide a mechanism for the appropriate identification of alcohol, tobacco and drug-related problems, and early intervention among students.
• To provide firm, consistent, and equitable disciplinary action regarding tobacco, alcohol-related or drug-related infractions, and
• To provide support services to students with an identified tobacco, alcohol or substance abuse concern or problem.

During the period 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2009, 448 students were arrested and charged for various offenses in Grenada. Forty-three students were arrested and charged for possession of drugs, while one each were arrested for drug trafficking, and possession of a drug apparatus.