Drug dogs sent to Wellington colleges

Police sniffer dogs have been called into Wellington colleges to search for drugs.

After a request from schools, police had searched Wainuiomata High School, Tawa College and Taita College in the past two weeks, The Dominion Post reported.

More visits were planned.

Wainuiomata High School principal Rob Mill said there was a major issue with drugs at the school.

"I am feeling frustrated and desperate that despite all the warnings and opportunities for kids to seek support for their cannabis use, it just seems to be growing.

"It is destroying a number of students' lives," Mr Mill said.

He knew of some cases where parents had given drugs to their children.

Police officers and a sniffer dog went through the school on Thursday but did not find any drugs.

Mr Mill said he was not surprised because he had decided to warn pupils about the visit.

The Drug Foundation criticised the use of sniffer dogs and said it created mistrust between pupils and schools.

Executive director Ross Bell said a more effective way was to empower children to make good choices.

- NZPA