College vows to tackle drug taking after security guard films youths suspected of smoking cannabis

DOPE-smoking Swindon College students have been told they face severe penalties if caught.

The warning comes after students were filmed smoking what appear to be cannabis joints.

The students were captured by CCTV cameras at Kembrey Business Park, where the college has two units.

Security staff claim the students smoke the drug openly almost every lunchtime, and estate managers fear it is damaging the park's reputation.

Huw Davies, head of security, said: "The problem started when the college took over the units in September.

"I have told the students that they have been caught on film.

"But when they see me coming they throw whatever they are smoking away and just smirk.

"On one occasion I found a bong they had used."

A bong is a home-made water pipe used to smoke cannabis.

When he contacted the college, Mr Davies said his concerns were brushed aside because the students were not on college premises.

He has also reported the matter to the police.

The Evening Advertiser has now forwarded the uncensored photographs to college managers, who are hoping to identify the offenders.

The college's 15,000 students have been warned they will be suspended and hauled before a disciplinary panel if they are caught smoking dope.

If they get into further trouble, they could be thrown out.

Students who are caught dealing drugs are automatically expelled and reported to police.

Dave Corcoran, who wrote the college's drugs policy in his role as student manager, said: "We have a zero tolerance policy towards drugs, and take this matter extremely seriously.

"Even if they are smoking the drugs off college premises, it's still our responsibility, and we are keen to see the footage.

"We have three levels in our disciplinary code, and drugs are considered at level two and three.

"We are extremely vigilant about drugs, and take measures such as checking our toilets regularly to ensure they are drug-free.

"We all know that drugs are a problem in society, and we have suspended people caught smoking cannabis in the past.

"I can't recall a time when we have had to expel anyone for dealing."

Mr Corcoran will also investigate why staff allegedly failed to follow up the concerns.

By coincidence, he is due to visit students today to talk about the dangers of drugs.

All students get drugs education as part of the college's personal development program.

Kembrey Business Park supervisor Cynthia Bassett declined to comment, as did the estate's London-based owners, Moorfield Capital Partners Investment.

Detective Sergeant Gerry Watkins, of Swindon police's anti-drugs division, welcomed the college's crackdown.

He stressed that although cannabis has been downgraded from Class B to C, it is still an offence to smoke it in public.

He said: "Anyone smoking it in public is liable to be arrested.

"I welcome the college's sensible attitude in this.

"They should inform us of any problems so we can act accordingly."

Tamash Lal