Figures released by the Education Ministry's National Substance Abuse Advisory Council revealed that drug related offences in schools has declined by forty-four percent.

In 2007, 147 marijuana cases were reported to the Education Ministry through its Schools Information Management system data base.

This dropped to 80 last year.

Figures also revealed that reported cases of cigarette smoking amongst students also dropped by four percent.

Education Minister Filipe Bole said this has been achieved through the hard work of police, religious leaders, NGOs and the Tobacco Control Unit.