Police Search Canton High School, Find Drug and Alcohol Violations

After a morning sweep of , Canton Police found drug paraphernalia and alcohol in three cars in the student parking lot. With six canine dogs, the searched the school this morning at 8:45 a.m., according to officials.

Canton High School Principal Dr. Doug Dias said the entire school building, including student lockers, the sports locker room, the physical education area and the parking lot were searched. The search took place while students were in class.

“There were well over 200 cars,” in the lot today, Dias said in an interview.  Three of the vehicles turned up either drug paraphernalia or alcohol, he said.

“I’m happy that very little was found, but I’m disappointed anything was found,” the principal said.

“We wanted to send a message to kids that we take this very seriously,” he said. Another goal of the search is “to get kids help if they need it,” he said. “I am very proud of the school but we can accomplish a heck of a lot more if (students) are not under the influence.”

The search was prompted after two discussions with staff and parents who presented concerns that drugs were being used in the building or on school grounds, according to the principal. In December, there was an instance of students using marijuana on school grounds, Dias said.

“If kids are turning to drugs, I’d want to know,” he said.  “I want to have a clean house.”

After coordinating with the Canton Police Department, School Resource Detective , and other towns in order to get the canine dogs, the police performed the search today.

“The search today was one of the many proactive programs that we have in place to help safeguard the students that attend Canton Schools,” Canton Police Chief said. “The random search is part of the enforcement component, that when used in conjunction with education and drug awareness programs, is proven to be effective in keeping our children of drugs. I want to thank the School Committee, and Canton High School Principal Dias for their continued partnership.”

The students caught will now face suspension. “Possession of drugs or alcohol on school grounds is a suspendable offense,” Dias said. 

Students could face up to a ten-day suspension from school. This could be reduced if the student attends counseling, Dias said.

The school notified all Canton High parents with an emailed letter today. In the letter, Dias stated, “no student is safe taking an illegal substance. Students learn when they feel safe, and can concentrate on the lesson being presented by their teacher. Today’s search was another attempt to help ensure that those students who mistakenly believe that they need illegal substances to manage or enjoy life get the help they need and avoid a tragedy."

To read the full letter, click here.