Staff spotted pupils playing the game

Staff at St Matthew's, in Wishaw, spotted pupils aged between eight and 10 pretending to buy and sell packages of a white powder.

The children told teachers that they had seen television programmes which showed how drugs were packaged and they were merely playing a game with flour.

The North Lanarkshire school said disciplinary action was now being taken.

Fortunately nothing more than white flour was involved here but there is a very serious side to this incident Council spokesman

Head teacher Roddy Shaw said: "I can confirm that five pupils have each received two weeks' detention following an incident in the school last Wednesday.

"Police are currently investigating the incident.

"Police will also be interviewing each of the five pupils concerned and all the children's parents were contacted and are co-operating with school fully in this matter.

"A community police officer will be coming to the school soon to talk on drug education issues with the pupils."

'Ongoing education'

A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council said: "Fortunately nothing more than white flour was involved here but there is a very serious side to this incident in that children are seeing drug dealing as some kind of game."

Strathclyde Police said it was continuing efforts to drive home its message about the dangers of illegal drugs.

A spokesman said: "As a result of our drugs talks in schools, as well as ongoing education in these matters by teachers, children should by now be well aware of the dangers of abusing substances - particularly unknown ones.