Methamphetamine will creep into Rotorua schools if the influence of gangs isn't halted, principals say.

Their concerns come after claims by former police detective-turned drug awareness educator Mike Sabin that the drug is making its way into Northland schools and the middle classes.

He said young people were growing up thinking P was an experimental drug.

To keep P out, principals say gangs must be stopped, parents must be aware of what their children do and youth must keep busy.

Rotorua Lakes High School principal John Ellis believed gangs were targeting young people in Rotorua.

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