Dogs Sniff Out Rumors Of Drugs

Rumors of rampant drug use at school prompted a search of the Bonners Ferry High School with drug-sniffing dogs Wednesday.

Authorities found one car with drug paraphernalia and another with a student’s hunting rifle. Prevention was the main purpose of the search.

“We wanted to stress that it is a drug free school zone and this is something we can and may do to prevent drug use,” said Bonners Ferry Police Chief Dave Kramer.

Students were in classes during the 10 a.m. search. Though dogs indicated they smelled drugs in two lockers, nothing was found in them, Kramer said.

The car that contained drug paraphernalia belonged to a 16-year-old student who did not allow police to search the car.

Police impounded the car, got a search warrant and found drug paraphernalia with trace amounts of what they believe to be marijuana and methamphetamines, Kramer said.

School principal Dan Meeker said he is waiting to see if any charges are filed against the student before taking disciplinary action.

“The kid understands something will be happening,” Meeker said. No action will be taken against the student who left his rifle in his car.

“That’s not uncommon up here,” he said. “It’s a matter of training the kids to keep their rifles and pistols off campus.”

A Post Falls High School student was suspended last fall after officials found a hunting rifle in his pickup. The school board decided against expulsion, though its policy calls for expelling students who bring guns onto campus.