A March 9 search for contraband at Oxford High School led to the drug-related suspensions of eight students.
Private security dogs trained to detect drugs, alcohol and gunpowder sniffed outside all the lockers at OHS and outside all the vehicles in the school’s parking lot, searching for contraband items.
As a result, seven students were found in possession of marijuana and one with drug paraphernalia, according to OHS Principal Mike Schweig.
Marijuana was found in one locker and six vehicles. Schweig said the drug amounts ‘varied,? but were ‘enough so that they were in possession.?
Drug paraphernalia was also found in another student’s vehicle. Sheriff’s Deputy Ken Alderman identified it as a marijuana smoking pipe.
‘As a result of our investigation, eight students were suspended from school,? said Schweig, noting the suspensions ranged from three to 10 days per the Student Code of Conduct.
All the confiscated contraband was turned over to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, which will determine what, if any, criminal charges will be filed against the students.
‘If there’s any further charges, it would come from the police,? Schweig said. ‘They’ll make that determination as to whether any further charges will be enacted.?
Deputy Alderman said all the drugs confiscated that day field-tested positive as marijuana, but were sent to the lab for further testing. He said charges are expected to be filed against all eight students.
Sweeps like this have been done before at OHS.
‘This is a type of an activity that isa deterrent to students bringing contraband items to school,? Schweig said. ‘We do it on a random basis as much as we’re able to. Obviously, we have to have funds to do this.?
‘We’re going to randomly continue to do it.?
When a canine does detect something outside a locker or vehicle, the student is immediately called down to be present for the actual search inside.
‘Everybody’s present and they see what’s going on,? Schweig said.
D.K. Security, near Grand Rapids, provided the dogs and handlers for approximately $800.
The search was paid for by a drug-free grant.