A 40-minute drug sweep at Newtown High School the morning of February 27 resulted in the arrest of three students and the issuing of an infraction to a fourth, according to a press release from Newtown Police Department.

Police say a “drug sniff” involving 12 passively trained K-9 narcotics teams was conducted monitoring the high school building and adjacent parking areas. The activity was invited by school administration according to the release, utilizing law enforcement resources from several departments as well as the State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force.

Reached by The Bee while traveling, Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi Jr emailed a response for comment about the activity, saying the sweep was handled in partnership with Newtown Police Department and Newtown Prevention Council.

It represented the first such activity involving K-9 drug teams at a local school in several years, and is apparently the first of several planned in the district.

“We will continue to be vigilant to offer a safe, drug-free environment at Newtown High School,” Dr Erardi stated. “The Friday school-wide sweep with trained dogs resulted in four students being disciplined and arrested for possession of an illegal substance.”

The superintendent ensured that “efforts and education will be ongoing as we work with the student body to ensure the safety of all.”

Advance notice was circulated hours before the event among members and families of the high school community by Principal Dr Lorrie Rodrigue, providing a warning that police “would be visible” on campus that morning.

Just before 11 am Saturday morning, school parents received this follow-up letter from Dr Rodrigue:

“First, I wanted to thank you for your understanding of the need for a drug search at the high school, which was conducted in concert with local authorities.  The recent headlines regarding substance abuse at a local Connecticut university has focused attention on the serious issue of drug use in young adults.  Unfortunately, it is only one story among thousands. Our goal of ensuring the safety and well-being of all students at Newtown High School must be more than words on paper but actions we are willing to take as a community in the best interest of our students,” the letter opens. 

“An update — on Friday, February 27, a search of the high school was conducted using trained drug dogs.  Students remained in classes while the search was conducted inside the building and throughout our parking lots.  The entire search took no more than 40 minutes. As a result, 5 hits were made that led to various arrests and school disciplinary action,” the letter continues. 

“While student discipline is confidential in nature, we realize that the 'buzz' around town and via social media is nearly impossible to control.  However, I urge you to receive and trust only the information that you hear directly from the district, as misinformation can be counterproductive and hurtful to families and students. More importantly, the purpose of any of our actions should be viewed as supportive of our students and to make certain all students feel safe in their school environment.  We realize that some lessons learned are not always easy, but they may save lives,” Dr Rodrigue continues.

“Searches like these are extremely helpful, but they are not the only means of conveying the importance of a drug-free school.  As parents, please continue to have open discussions with your sons and daughters about the realities of substance abuse and the importance of making good decisions now and in the future.  I am always available to receive information, answer questions, and discuss future plans for the safety of our high school students,” the principal concludes.

No additional information about the arrests was immediately available from police.

Police Chief Michael Kehoe — who also co-chairs Newtown Prevention Council — said he was briefed that the sweep would be happening Friday before he departed to volunteer with the Connecticut Special Olympics Winter Games. 

He called in from the games to say he would provide a statement, which was forwarded via email, saying:

“As Chief, we look forward to continuing our long standing collaboration with the School District on many levels.  The drug sniff on Friday was in cooperation with The District, High School Administration/Staff and our PD members (HS SRO and K9).

“The sniff was planned to have the least amount of disruption to the educational environment but have meaningful objectives and outcomes. Generally, the items seized during the sniff were small amounts marijuana and marijuana based paraphernalia,” Chief Kehoe told The Bee.

As NPC Co-Chair, Chief Kehoe said the volunteer substance abuse coalition “values all efforts to prevent the use of harmful substances. Studies and surveys within the Newtown School District and community point to unacceptable levels of use of harmful and illegal substances such as marijuana. 

“Collaboration of resources within the community and the sharing of common values to prevent the use of illegal substances are the hallmark virtues of our NPC members,” Chief Kehoe said on behalf of NPC. “We continue to encourage all of our sectors within the NPC to partner with each other, and to share with others and the community, the successes of their efforts to prevent drug use.”  

This story was updated to include remarks from Police Chief Michael Kehoe. Check back for updates as they develop.