MORE than 20 pupils were searched for drugs as they made their way to a Crawley school.

Police carried out checks in Hazelwick underpass, which is used by pupils to get to Hazelwick School, Three Bridges. Nothing was found.

Sgt Chris Ball said the operation was carried out after evidence of cannabis dealing was found in the underpass and outside shops in nearby North Road.

He said: "We suspected some pupils might be involved and we made the checks to see if any were carrying drugs or had any information about drug dealing."

He said it was likely the dealers were coming from outside the school.

Vice-chairman of Hazelwick governors, Coun David Dewdney, said the underpass had been a problem for many years with general misbehaviour, graffiti and bullying.

Deputy head Jim Hobbs said: "We are pleased the police are taking a positive role in what is a problem throughout the country."

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