Seventeen teenagers from Lindisfarne College in Hastings have been suspended and are under police investigation for alleged marijuana use.
The students, aged between 16 and 18, most from Year 12 and a number from Year 13, were suspended last week, Hawke's Bay Today reported today.
College rector Grant Lander said the school was "surprised" at the number of students involved, but denied there was a drug culture at the school.
"We have no more of a drug issue than any other school in the area," he said. "What you have to accept is drug and marijuana use is prevalent in teenagers.
He refused to comment on whether the alleged incidents took place on school grounds, or if the selling of drugs was involved.
Hastings Police Inspector Dean Clifford refused to comment on the matter except to say: "Police are taking this very seriously and we're working closely with the school."
