under surveillance. The operation culminated in March 1976, when the police raided the King's Road campus. Drug-sniffing dogs searched the lockers, and 25-30 students were taken into custody. On March 26, the headlines in The Straits Times read "200 of 700 students on drugs in Singapore school." Of the students who were detained, all but one either left the country voluntarily or were deported. The one served a few months in prison.
Singapore government to establish a summer employment program to keep the students constructively occupied. SACAC's efforts were recognized by an award from the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association in late 1976.
Between the actions of both the school and the government, most of the worst offenders were no longer in the country. In addition, the raid had caught the attention of many SAS students and put a big dent in their feelings of invulnerability. The arrests were the turning point in resolving the schools drug problem. Another approach to reducing drug abuse came with the American Association's establishment of the Singapore American Community Action Council (SACAC) in 1973. This organization provided counseling and intervention programs for kids who were at risk. It also established a host of activities to help expatriate kids fill their free time constructively. American football became a SACAC program in addition to gymnastics, swimming, basketball and baseball. SACAC also collaborated with the
Above: A student retreat in the mid 1970s. Right: Media coverage of the "DRUG BUST" at SAS.
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