Drug Use In Schools Is A Growing Problem But Hard To Fight Because Family Members Are Usually The Main Dealers, Principals Say. Latest Education Ministry figures showed Heretaunga College in Upper Hutt had more suspensions last year than any other school in the lower North Island. There were 49 suspensions and 114 stand downs. A stand down is a temporary ban from school, where a pupil must appear before the board to decide whether he or she is allowed back. Principal Bruce Hart said yesterday about half of the 49 suspensions were for cannabis use. A number of pupils have also been disciplined this year for the same offence, including four this week. [continues 311 words]
Legal party pills are being touted by dairies, liquor outlets, petrol stations and even a cart, wheeled into Wellington city on party nights. Sophie Neville investigates. It's 7.30pm, Wednesday, and a brightly lit cart has set up shop on Wellington's Courtenay Place selling an array of legal drugs all promising a good time. With names like Charge, Bliss, Jet, Frenzy, Jump and Rapture, the pills sell for about $39.95 for a pack of six. They are becoming the drug of choice for partygoers of all ages. The Grunter, which packs the punch of three pills in one, is the latest release. [continues 1126 words]