Marijuana Found at Exeter High School

Chief Richard Kane reported that the Exeter Police Department, in cooperation with Exeter High School officials, successfully conducted its annual K-9 drug search at the high school on Oct. 26, 2015, according to a press statement.

K-9 units from Rochester, Gilford, Keene, Northwood, and Wells, Maine and the Knox County, Maine Sheriff’s Department, were at the high school from 10:15 to 11 a.m. to do a sweep of the building. Police searched randomly chosen classrooms, all common areas and the boys and girls locker rooms. All backpacks were checked, but no individual students were searched.

The K-9 units found one backpack with marijuana inside. The student was identified and school officials will be handling the case administratively. No criminal charges were filed.

Each year, police conduct the operation as a proactive approach to combat illegal drug use in the school and to comply with the Safe Schools Act. Exeter Police have received information from the School Resource Officer, parents, students and staff members that illegal drugs and prescription drugs are not uncommon at the school.

This is one of several methods the department deploys to address the issue. The School Resource Officer is very active in the education of high school students on the dangers of drugs and police have implemented a successful D.A.R.E. program for younger children.

“We know that it is a small minority of students that cause these concerns, but we must not allow this group to affect the well-being and learning environment of others,” Kane said. “It is a priority for police and school officials to ensure students and staff have a safe, secure and drug free environment while in the classroom. Illegal drug use is not tolerated in the community and will not be tolerated in school.”