Police have confirmed they were called to Harris Academy in Dundee over claims that pupils were taking drugs in the building.
Officers attended the Perth Road school last week after reports that children – reportedly in S2 and S3 – had been caught taking illicit substances in the toilets.
No one was found to be in possession of drugs at the school but Police Scotland says it is liaising with education chiefs on the matter.
Dundee City Council has refused to comment on suggestions that several of the pupils allegedly involved have been suspended.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “We were made aware of concerns around potential misuse of drugs at a high school in Dundee on Wednesday December 1.
“Officers attended and no drugs were found at the school. Officers are liaising with partners from the school and the local authority.”
A spokesman for Dundee City Council said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on any ongoing police investigation.”
Parent council reacts to claims
Murray McLeod, chair of the Harris Academy parent council, told The Courier he did not wish to comment on a police matter.
However a post on the group’s Facebook page stated: “Any drugs-related offence in the school will now be a criminal investigation.
“The parents of the young people involved will have been informed.
“From a legal perspective I don’t think there’s any more the school can do at the moment.”
Councillor ‘very concerned’ over reports
The school’s handbook sets out its stance on the use of drugs in school, saying: “Alcohol, drugs and other illegal substances are prohibited in school.
“Pupils found to be in possession, or under the influence, of such will be subject to the full process of the law.”
West End councillor Richard McCready, whose ward includes Harris Academy, says he is “very concerned” about the reports coming from the school.
He added: “I am glad to hear that the authorities have become involved and have every confidence that staff at the school, along with staff from Dundee City Council and the police will deal effectively with this issue.
“As media reports make clear today, misuse of drugs is a problem across the whole of society and we must all work to deal with this problem.”
