St Patrick’s College Mackay students busted using MDMA during school camp trip

A drug scandal has rocked a private Mackay high school after a number of students were busted using ecstasy during a school camp. Police confirmed it involved a schedule one drug.

A drug scandal has rocked an elite Mackay high school after a number of students were busted using ecstasy during a school camp.

The explosive details of this shocking incident involving St Patrick’s College Mackay have only just come to light.

A number of students at elite Mackay high school St Patrick’s College were caught with MDMA during a school camp on Daydream Island. Picture: Daryl Wright

Police confirmed officers seized MDMA from the accommodation where the private school group had been staying earlier this year.

As a result, officers spoke with a number of students on their return to Mackay.

A Queensland Police spokesman said three teenagers were dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justices Act.

Under Queensland law, MDMA is considered a schedule one drug, which can invoke harsher penalties.

This publication also received reports two students were suspended over the incident but have since returned to the high school.

St Patrick’s College Mackay principal Janelle Agius confirmed there had been an incident “involving the use of an illegal substance by students during an off-campus excursion earlier in the year”.

“The matter was investigated immediately and action taken by relevant authorities in accordance with college processes,” Mrs Agius said.

“The safety and wellbeing of all students at the college is our highest priority and procedures involve a comprehensive response to ensure the privacy, protection and welfare of all in our college community.”

However, what those procedures involve remain unknown. This publication asked what steps had been taken to address drug use on school camps, but the question was not answered.

The school also did not confirm what disciplinary action it took against the students involved.