PUPILS at a North-East school were among 12 people stopped and searched as part of a Northumbria Police drugs operation, it was revealed last night.

Officers used sniffer dogs during the searches for illegal substances in the Westgate Road area of Newcastle yesterday.

Twenty-two officers were involved in the operation, but no drugs were found.

The operation follows concerns raised in the local community about drug abuse.

Police said that some of those searched were pupils from West Gate Community College, but would not confirm how many.

Inspector Mark Warcup, who covers the Fenham and Scotswood areas, said: "We have close relations with the communities in our area and respond to any concerns they may have or information that is passed on to us.

"Following the operation, we have had a very good response from the local community, who were pleased to see us taking such positive action to address their concerns."

Schools in the area were also consulted and gave the searches their backing.

Jim Farnie, principal at West Gate Community College, said: "We have a responsibility to the vast majority of our pupils and their parents who have never, nor ever will, become involved in drug taking.

"They will want us to ensure the college is a safe place and that we take this issue very seriously.

"Although today's operation was not about targeting West Gate Community College, we cannot ignore the fact that some of our students may have been exposed to drugs and we have a duty to tackle this in a responsible way by working with the police."