POLICE officers checked lockers and searched a number of students as part of a drug awareness initiative at Mid Cheshire College's Hartford campus.

Police said the high visibility initiative was the result of college staff raising concerns about possible cannabis use on the site.

Inspector Dave Snasdell from Northwich Local Policing Unit said no illegal substances were recovered during the visit.

Police are to continue to work with college management, and will carry out similar initiatives if needed.

“On Tuesday, February 9 officers from Northwich LPU carried out a high visibility drugs awareness initiative at Mid Cheshire College campus,” said Inspector Snasdell.

“This was as a result of staff raising concerns regarding possible cannabis use on the site.

“Officers worked with one of the force’s drug scanning dogs during the lunch period at the college.

“Officers checked lockers and a number of students were searched at the site. No illegal substances were recovered.

“This was more of an awareness initiative to students that it is not acceptable to use or bring illegal substances on the campus premises.

“We are continuing to work with the management team of the college, and will look to conduct other such operations to show our support to the college if required.”

Inspector Snasdell made a plea to parents to make their children aware of the consequences of using illegal drugs.

“If you have teenage kids and they start to experiment with illegal substances they could ruin their chances in future careers,” he said.

“Make sure you continue with the adult conversation with them to keep them focused.”

College deputy principal Wanda Ford said: “This exercise was part of a wider awareness raising of the work of the local Constabulary, which started with a visit to the police training ground last month by our public service students.

“The exercise demonstrated to students how the police use dogs in the tracking of substances and what is involved.

“Showing another side to the work of the Constabulary gives students a broader understanding of the range of opportunities that exist and the precautions taken to keep the community a safe place to be.”