THE Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is responding to reports of a Form 1 student found with illegal narcotics on school grounds.

In a media release on Thursday, the TTPS stated that on Wednesday, officers attached to the School Oriented Policing Unit, acting on intelligence, intercepted a 14-year-old Form 1 student at school in the Northern Division who was suspected of having illegal substances on him.

A search of the student’s backpack led to the discovery of a black package containing plant-like material resembling cannabis along with wrapping paper. The weight and composition of the material were still being verified.

The TTPS stated officers from the Cumuto Police Station were called into the school, and the school’s administration was notified.

Commenting on the incident, Commissioner of Police (CoP) Alister Guevarro said, “I continue to stand firmly behind the School Oriented Policing initiative, which has proven to be a vital line of defence in safeguarding our learning environments.”

“Today’s intervention underscores the vigilance and professionalism of our officers, whose presence is not merely symbolic but actively preventative,” he added.

Guevarro further used the opportunity to call on parents to be more vigilant of their children’s activities and what they have in their possession.

He said, “I urge parents and guardians to take a closer look at what their children are bringing into our nation’s schools. The last time I checked, wrapping paper and suspicious plant-like material were not on the Ministry of Education’s approved book list.”

Guevarro stated, “Let us remain united in protecting the sanctity of our classrooms.”