Class drug testing in college was legal

Drug tests conducted on students at an agricultural college in Luxembourg did not break the law, according to the education minister.

Luxembourg broadcasters RTL have reported that Mady Delvaux-Stehres played down criticism from fellow deputies following drugs testing in two classes at Ettelbrück agricultural college at the end of November last year.

The minister said that the results of the urine tests, which found traces of illegal substances in 14 students out of 36, or 40% of those tested, were frightening. However, she defended the action taken, saying it was entirely within the law.

Ms Delvaux-Stehres was criticised by Green party deputy Claude Adam, who said that drug tests should only be carried out when individuals are suspected of taking illegal substances.

Democratic Party deputy Eugène Berger said he was surprised that mass checks were legal and calls for more anti-drug campaign work in all schools in Luxembourg.