A student was cited for possession of marijuana and another was cited for a tobacco violation, following K9 drug sniffs conducted at Ark City High School and Middle School Tuesday, according to Ark City Police.
The USD 470 School District and the Arkansas City Police Department granted permission for the announced event.
K9 officers searching were from the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office, Harper Police Department, and Harper County Sheriff’s Office.
The K9s were divided up and conducted an open area drug sniff. The dogs were all on leads during the search on the east, stadium, and facility parking lots of Arkansas City High School, according to a written media statement.
Authorities then moved into the high school and divided up again.
The K9s conducted drug sniffs in six classrooms.
The school administration advised students to leave all belongings inside the classroom, and students exited the classroom and lined up along the wall. Handlers then deployed the K9s inside the classroom.
The K9s were on leads during the drug sniffs.
K9s also conducted a drug sniff in the high school sports locker rooms. Overall, there were seven K9 indications, and all took place in parking lot areas, police said.
One student was issued a citation for tobacco violation, and one student was arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The student was given a citation and released.
The K9s then went to the Arkansas City Middle School, where the K9s conducted drug sniffs on the student lockers.
There were no cases reported at the middle school.
The K9s conducted drug sniffs at Winfield High School and middle school, Udall High School, and Burden High School.