Pupils held in school drug raid

Police had been alerted to possible drug-related activity

A large quantity of cannabis resin has been seized in a raid on a Highland school.

A number of pupils were detained following the operation at Fortrose Academy, on the Black Isle in Ross-shire.

A team of uniformed and plain clothed officers carried out raids on the secondary school and other addresses in the town.

The education authority had raised concerns regarding suspected drug-related activity.

A 16-year-old male is expected to appear at Dingwall Sheriff Court on Friday in connection with the operation.

We have made it clear to our pupils repeatedly that drugs will not be tolerated Douglas Simpson Rector of Fortrose Academy

A spokesman for Northern Constabulary said that enquiries were ongoing and that reports would be sent to the procurator fiscal.

He added that police and the education authority had worked very closely during the operation.

Rector of Fortrose Academy, Douglas Simpson, said that drug abuse would not be tolerated in school and that those involved would be severely dealt with.

"I very much welcome this action by the police which I hope will reduce the problem of drugs in our schools," said Mr Simpson.

"We will continue to provide a drugs education programme to all our pupils and will be happy to work with the families of any pupils involved in drugs misuse.

"However, we have made it clear to our pupils repeatedly that drugs will not be tolerated in or around Fortrose Academy and that any pupils found to be involved will be excluded from school and the incident reported to police."

The officer in charge of the operation, Detective Inspector Peter MacPhee, said: "Today's operation is part of the ongoing enforcement strategy which targets drug dealing at every level within the Ross, Cromarty and Skye command area."