By MONIQUE DEVEREUX
A school has suspended 24 boys after they were found smoking cannabis and may expel a boy alleged to have provided the drugs.
The Hamilton Boys' High board of trustees will this week decide whether to expel a 16-year-old pupil.
But police will not be taking any action against the boy - mainly because they say they do not know about the incident.
The school says the boy was one of 24 suspended from Argyle House hostel after being found smoking cannabis in the school grounds on July 31. All the boys were aged between 14 and 16. All but seven have been allowed back to the hostel.
Of those seven, all apart from two have found alternative accommodation.
The two others have withdrawn from the school and are attending schools closer to their homes.
Hamilton Boys head Susan Hassall said most of the 24 boys involved were "experimenting."
Because the incident took place on a Sunday it was technically out of school jurisdiction and was a "hostel matter." It was dealt with by a disciplinary hearing involving hostel supervisors and parents.
Mrs Hassall said the mass suspension reflected the school's zero tolerance to drug use.
She was confident the main perpetrators had been dealt with appropriately.
Yesterday, none of the Hamilton police youth aid workers, CIB detectives or Hamilton East station officers spoken to by the Herald were aware of the dope-smoking incident.
Hamilton East Sergeant Nick Young said the alleged cannabis dealing at the school was "obviously serious" but he was not aware of any police investigation at this stage.
"If the school or anyone makes a complaint, of course we will look into it."
Yesterday the school held its annual open day and Mrs Hassall said around 200 parents and prospective students attended the information sessions.
"I have been speaking to them about this issue and I have been pleased with their positive and supportive reaction to the school's stance on drugs and drug use."
Hamilton school suspends 24 over dope-smoking
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