After she failed to disclose the positive drug test, a primary school teacher was expelled and a church leader banned.
Barbara Twumasi (35), admitted to the Met Police she had ‘tasted the cocaine’.
The officers found the London teacher in her car in front of her house in the wee hours of the morning.
A small bag of powdered white powder was kept in her jacket pocket.
The teacher at Jessop Primary School teacher was taken to the police station after being arrested at 4.11am on 9 February 2019 for possessing a Class A drug.
The 35-yearold was found to have tested positive for cocaine.
Barbara Twumasi, who was returning to school from her arrest, told Jessop Primary School in Lambeth that she’d been taken into custody but that she hadn’t tested positive for cocaine.
In the early morning hours Saturday, she was issued a warning by police regarding drug possession.
When she returned to the classroom on Monday, she told the head at Jessop Primary School that she had been arrested but not that she had tested positive.
Police were contacted by the Outstanding Ofsted School to get more details about her arrest in March 2019.
The positive test was revealed by the Met Police on April 2, 2019.
Ms. Twumasi’s suspension on April 8 was for a disciplinary inquiry. This led to her firing on July 18.
The 35-year old was told by a Virtual Hearing of the Teaching Regulation Agency on December 10 that her suspension could have occurred sooner if she had been truthful with her employers.
Alan Meyrick for Education Secretary said that the teacher had acted without integrity with the information she provided to schools and banned her from teaching.
“Ms. Twumasi was a criminal offenders that had led to a police caution,” Mr Meyrick said.
Dr Zubair Hanlot chaired the hearing and stated that Ms Twumasi had admitted to the school she hadn’t told them the “full extent” of her warning about drug possession.
Dr Hanslot explained that she thought the police would submit a report to school detailing all details, including the positive drugs test. It would be revealed in the right time.
A glowing reference was also made by the church of Barbara from teacher that she took her responsibilities seriously.
“With humble hearts, she helped the church through Sunday services. She read sermons to the congregation and participated in community events.
“Over the years I’ve seen Barbara become a respected, trustworthy, and responsible member of our community.
Barbara also volunteers to be the treasurer of Young Adult Fellowship.
“Furthermore during the pandemic Barbara delivered food parcels to the victims and would often ring the members of her congregation to inquire about their well-being.
Barbara has helped with youth, church and community events. She is helpful to the community such helping with food parcels and supporting young people in the youth café and helping young people with their homework.’
Her reinstatement may be sought after two years.
A panel could meet to consider whether the prohibition order should be set aside but if Ms Twumasi is not successful she is banned indefinitely.