A Wisbech school which saw six pupils rushed to hospital in May after taking the illegal drug ‘spice’ has opened its doors to officers and a drugs specialist in a bid to educate students.
Thomas Clarkson Academy, which educates 1,300 pupils, invited some of the local neighbourhood policing team to highlight the physical effects of drugs and the criminal consequences of being involved with them.
It comes as six students were rushed to hospital earlier this year after taking the illegal ‘zombie’ drug that led to them fainting and vomiting.
Drugs expert detective constable Harv Nutton spoke openly to the group of about 200 teens about the different types of drugs.
The session highlighted the close-working relationship between the school and the police to highlight the personal dangers students face if they take drugs and also the consequences it could have on their future careers.
Inspector Ian Lombardo, who also spoke with the students, said: “Yesterday was all about educating the students and helping them to make informed choices. I tried to get it across to them that they can be whatever they want to be but the choices they make now can seriously affect their ability to fulfil their ambitions.
“Education is sometimes better than enforcement, particularly with young people, if we can influence them, even just a small number, into making the choice not to take a drug or get caught up in those networks, then that to me is a job well done.”
Local teams continue to develop and action ‘Operation Cypus’ which is an operation to target those who deal drugs in the Fenland area.
Insp Lombardo added: “We will continue to act on intelligence to disrupt and dismantle drugs networks in our area. We will also continue to work with all partner agencies, particularly the local schools, to help educate young people about the real dangers they face by taking drugs. I want to reassure parents that keeping children safe in Fenland is one of the top priorities for my team.”
Richard Scott, associate principal of Thomas Clarkson Academy, said: “It was fabulous to have Inspector Lombardo and his team in school yesterday meeting with students helping them to understand some very important messages about drugs and their consequences.
“Not only does this help to educate our young people of the dangers of drugs but moreover it strengthens the sense of a community working together.”
Sergeant Lee Levens and PCs Rhian Jones and David McIlwhan were also among the team invited to introduce themselves to the students to make themselves known as their local policing team.
The visit took place with Year 10 students on June 28.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here