POLICE have been working with a Winchester college to crack down on drug usage.

Officers from the Winchester Rural North Safer Neighbourhoods Team have run two anti-drug operations using search dogs at Sparsholt College since the start of the academic year as part of the college’s zero tolerance drugs policy.

Sgt Mark Lamper said: “Every year Sparsholt College has a new intake of students with many living away from home for the first time. Joint operations like these demonstrate to students and their parents how committed both the college and the local police are to their safety and wellbeing.

“We hope that our drug operations will provide a visible deterrent to students who may be tempted to experiment with drugs.”

Police have also attended the college’s fresher’s fair and open days to ensure greater student safety.

A car safety day was also held in September where student vehicles were checked for tyre, light, tax and insurance problems.