A pre-planned drug search using multiple law enforcement agencies gave Colquitt County High School an “all clear” on Wednesday.

”Student safety is paramount,” Colquitt County School Superintendent Samuel DePaul said. “Drug searches are routinely performed at the junior high and high school level in an effort to be proactive to protect our students. When students feel safe, parents feel safe, and then learning takes its proper place of importance.”

High school administration, the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Department Drug Enforcement Agency participated, along with drug dogs and officers from Cook, Tift, Mitchell and Miller county sheriff’s departments and Adel and Ashburn police departments.

The pre-planned sweep began at 9:30 a.m. and lasted 40 minutes, a school system spokeswoman said. Drug dogs were paired up with school administrators to walk the hallways, check backpacks in classrooms, and stroll the parking lots.

“The entire campus of Colquitt County High School was involved in the search, Principal Stephanie Terrell said. “Every building and some fifty random classrooms were entered resulting in no drugs being found at CCHS. Student Resource Officer Barnes and Officer Myrick along with every CCHS administrator assisted the drug enforcement agents in this drill. It was a great success.

“We are serious about our students’ safety and want them to feel that we are being diligent in keeping their environment free from drugs,” she said.

A student questioned about the search shared, “We know that drugs are a part of our society, but we don’t want them in our school. I am really thankful for the drug searches.”