Drugs dogs inspect two Rainham schools
A drugs sniffer dog during a similar operation at another school. Picture: PA/Kirsty Wigglesworth - Credit: PA Archive/Press Association Images
Police dogs sniffed out two schools in unannounced inspection for illegal drugs.
Teachers watched on at the Rainham schools as Metropolitan Police recently searched the premises in a one-day operation as part of anti-drugs initiative Operation Twister.
The first stop was The Brittons Academy, Ford Lane, where the officers with their dogs attended an assembly and waited by the exit examining pupils as they filed past them.
The highly-trained black labradors then visited The Chafford School, Lambs Lane, and swept classrooms hunting for trails that may lead them to illegal substances.
Police and school staff were delighted that no drugs were found at either school.
The initiative was led by Havering’s safer schools police officers and supported by ward officers.
Safer schools officer Pc Drew Heath said: “It is fantastic news that no drugs were found at either school and no arrests needed to be made. We are pleased that both head teachers and their staff allowed us into their schools to support our stance against drugs in Havering.”
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The imitative aims to reassure staff, students and parents that neither schools tolerate substance abuse within schools.
Head Teacher of Brittons Academy, Stuart McLaughlin said: “The Brittons Academy is fully committed to ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for every student. Operation Twister is a crucial part of making sure Brittons is a safe place to be.”
Chafford’s head teach Gary Pratt was just as happy with the result.
He said: “This is a great way to educate our students about the dangers of drugs and the legislation around drug misuse.
“No illegal substances were smelt or found anywhere on the school premises. This is only what we expect of our students and we are proud that they continue to maintain the high standards we expect from them.”
