British teachers caught up in China drugs scandal face the sack

The English language training provider caught up in drug allegations in China say they remain in the dark about the police investigation.

Four Britons are among the 19 people arrested by officials, with seven of those detained being teachers with Education First (EF).

None of its students were involved in the offences, contrary to local media reports, the firm said.

An EF spokesman said they had heard nothing further about the custody status of those who had been arrested earlier in the week, or if any had been charged or convicted.

The spokesman added: "Education First China regrets the recent incident related to our Xu Zhou centres in China.

"The alleged drug offences were limited to seven of our teachers and did not take place during working hours or impact any students. The other individuals involved in this incident are not EF students or employees.

"We take the allegations very seriously and we are fully cooperating with the authorities on this matter. All centres are operating normally."

The spokesman said EF has a zero-tolerance policy for prohibited activities, including the possession or use of illegal substances.

Any teacher found in violation faces immediate termination of employment, the spokesman said.

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Police made the arrests in the eastern Jiangsu province, north of Shanghai.

No details about the type of drugs involved, or the ages and identities of those involved, have been disclosed.

A Foreign Office spokesman said it was providing consular assistance and said there was no further update to its position.

China is known to take an extremely dim view of drugs offences.

Official advice on the UK Government website adds: "There are extremely severe penalties for drugs offences in China, including the death penalty.

"The Chinese authorities undertake random drug testing on foreign nationals including on entry to the country.

"If you test positive, the Chinese authorities can prosecute you regardless of where or when you consumed drugs.

"Police raids on homes also occur - if drugs are found in your property, penalties can be extremely severe."

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