Police Scotland are currently carrying out enquiries into two recent incidents where two male pupils at Maxwelltown High School had to receive medical treatment following what is suspected, at this time, to be the effects of having consumed some form of tablet.
The incidents took place last Wednesday, January 16, and Monday, January 21, and involved boys aged 15 and 13 years.
Both were taken to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary as a precaution, and have now recovered from the effects.
Commenting, chief inspector Stuart Davidson said: “We are working with the head teacher, staff and pupils at the school to get to the bottom of how and why these two incidents happened.
“Thankfully both boys have fully recovered and are back at school.”
He added: “Anyone found to be involved in the supply of any type of drugs can expect to face the full force of the criminal justice system and I am able to say that we are following a number of leads in this regard.”
The incidents have shocked MSP Finlay Carson, who has launched a call for random drug checks in all senior schools in the region.
He said: “We must have a zero tolerance approach to drugs in our schools.”
He added: “I call on the police and local authority to seriously consider random drug sweeps of all senior schools in the region to nip this issue in the bud.
“Police sniffer dogs could be used to ensure that schools are a drug free safe environment. This would send a clear message to all involved in the use and supply of drugs – it is simply not acceptable.”
He added: “I have spoken to local police to raise my concerns and have confidence they are taking appropriate steps to urgently tackle this issue and that pupils are kept safe from drugs when attending school.
“These incidents are hugely concerning for both pupils and parents. I hope that with everyone working together, we can effectively tackle the potential for drug misuse to ensure it does not become commonplace in our senior schools across the region.”
