Pubdate: Mon, 01 Sep 2003 Source: Birmingham News, The (AL) Copyright: 2003 The Birmingham News Contact: http://al.com/birminghamnews/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/45 Author: Vivi Abrams Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raids.htm (Drug Raids) UAB TO KEEP DRUG DOGS AFTER METH LAB BUST The University of Alabama at Birmingham is checking dormitory rooms with drug dogs this fall in the wake of a methamphetamine lab found in Blount Hall in February. "Occasionally there have been, and there also will be, random inspections by narcotics dogs for our housing facilities," said Andy Marsch, assistant vice president for student life. "That will be something we continue on a random basis." He said the dog searches were instituted after the drug lab was found. "We were very upset about the situation and we felt we needed to send a strong message," he said. Two students and another young man were arrested after tools to make methamphetamine were found in the suite belonging to one of the students on the third floor of Blount Hall, 1001 14th St. South. Drug Enforcement Administration agents also found marijuana, cocaine and prescription drugs in the suite. University police arrested two students, Sarah Suzanne Forrest of Florida and James William Phillips of Hueytown, who no longer attend the school, Marsch said. Derrick Michael Vann of Trussville also was arrested. DEA agent Greg Borland said that the case was submitted to federal authorities for consideration but that he does not know yet whether it will be prosecuted. In addition to the dogs, the school conducts daily monitoring of dorms, room inspections and educational programs for students, programs that existed last year, too, Marsch said. "If we find anyone who was involved with illegal drug activity, they will be removed," he said. "There's no second chances where that is concerned. We work real hard at providing a safe environment in housing. We're a part of society and this stuff exists, but our goal is to keep it off campus." - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom