Kingston students obtain cannabis within half an hour from student dealers.

A heat-seeking helicopter was used by police to locate a cannabis factory in Surbiton last Friday, sparking concern over student accessibility to the drug.

Police raided a house on Balaclava road where four rooms were filled with illegally grown cannabis. A heat seeking helicopter located suspicious levels of warmth coming from the house due to lamps, used to grow the marijuana. However, the property was empty and no-one was arrested.

Sergeant Robbie Manns of Surbiton Police said: “These sorts of factories are becoming more common, especially in residential areas where there is a lot of property to let.”

After the recent court case of Arafath Ahmed, who was jailed for 15 months for dealing cannabis at Kingston University, fears have been raised over the local availability of the drug for students.

Cannabis is an illegal class C drug and current police penalties are a two year prison sentence or fine for possession and a 14 year prison sentence or fine for dealing or supplying.

Yet, three Kingston Students, who wished to remain anonymous, were sceptical of the penalties saying when caught, police had just taken it away from them.  Furthermore they still smoked cannabis everyday regardless of the penalties and saw it as social event. They said it was rife at the University and could be obtained within half an hour from student dealers that have bought it from a larger dealer. 

However, Dr Glyn Jones, Head of Student Affairs, said: “We do not have any statistics to suggest that there is increased use of cannabis at Kingston. The university does not keep records on drugs use since its health and counselling services are confidential.” He added: “The University has a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy study and work environment for all of its students, staff and visitors. The University will take appropriate disciplinary action against students when illegal substances are supplied or used, including referring offences to the relevant authorities.”
 
 Despite this, a large proportion of students, when questioned, admitted that they did smoke cannabis even though health experts have linked the drug to depression, memory loss and schizophrenia.

Henry Powell, a 21-year old drama student, said: “A lot of people don’t class cannabis as a drug that is bad but it is very addictive and one drug can lead to another.”

The anonymous students said they would continue to smoke it and one said: “I know what it does to me. If I smoke a lot in a few days I forget what I did last night. It really affects your short term memory.” They accepted it had occasionally made them paranoid and could lead to mental health issues, as one added: “I knew a schizophrenic guy and he would smoke around £200 worth a week.”
They added that some students even smoke it before exams either through stress or believing it could enhance their performance.

Coral Brazier, Kingston University Health Adviser, said: “Students who are concerned that they may have a problem with drugs can call in at one of the University’s drop-in sessions where they can speak anonymously and in confidence to a fully-qualified and experienced health professional.  Students can visit the drop-in sessions without making an appointment by visiting the University’s Counselling and Health Advice Centre at Penrhyn Road or Kingston Hill campuses.”

Students can use the health centre between 3.00pm -4.00pm from Monday to Friday at the Penrhyn campus or between 12.00 - 1.00 pm Monday to Thursday and 3.00pm – 4.00pm on Fridays at Kingston Hill.
 
There are also external organisations which can help such as Kingston’s Kaleidoscope Project For personal help and support on drug use

Talk to Frank for more information about cannabis and its effects and a free helpline where callers can speak confidentially to a professionally trained advisor