Drugs, knives among items unearthed in ECD secondary schools

In a move to address concerns surrounding anti-social behaviours among students, East Coast Demerara (ECD) secondary schools were targeted in “Operation Shakedown” on Tuesday.
During the operation, random searches were conducted, leading to the confiscation of several illegal items found in students’ possession.
The collaborative effort involved Regional Division 4C Police, the Education Ministry’s Schools Welfare Department, and teachers.
Random searches and lectures were done at Bladen Hall Multilateral and the Lancaster, Annandale, Buxton, Ann’s Grove, Hope, and Golden Grove Secondary Schools on the East Coast of Demerara, as part of the collaborative effort.
Students’ bags were searched in the presence of the Head Masters/Mistresses and Welfare Officers, where several prohibited items were found.
During those searches, the Police Force said suspected cannabis, knives, condoms, lighters, scissors, screwdrivers, spanners, and needles were confiscated.
On the lecture side of the exercise, topics such as violence and crime committed at schools, gang fighting, taking offensive weapons to school, the consequences of using offensive weapons at school, being on the streets after school, respect for teachers, and cybercrimes were discussed.
“Operation Shakedown”, according to the Police Force, aimed not only to conduct searches but also to deliver informative lectures addressing a range of critical topics.
The hope is that these discussions will raise awareness and promote responsible behaviour among students.
The Head Masters/Mistresses of the respective schools expressed their gratitude for the involvement of the Police, and stressed the importance of continued collaboration in maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment. (G9)