Anyone caught dealing or possessing controlled substances within 1,000 feet of Tibbetts Middle School in Farmington will face tougher penalties after students, police officers and community leaders posted large white signs designating the area as a drug-free school zone, the Farmington Daily Times reported.

There's a state law already in effect that enhances charges for anyone arrested for drug crimes within 1,000 feet of a school, but signs have to be posted in order for police to use the law, the Daily Times reported.

"I think there are some drugs in this area, close to the school," Tibbetts Principal Anthony Smagacz told the Daily Times. "It's time to put our foot down and say if you're caught with drugs, dealing or possessing them, within 1,000 feet of a school, you're going to jail, or have double the penalties."

A fourth-degree felony would become a third-degree felony, and a third-degree felony would be bumped up to second-degree under the statute, Deputy District Attorney David Ottman told the paper.

And possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, carrying a potential $50 to $100 fine and up to 15 days in jail for a first offense, could escalate to a $1,000 fine and up to a year in jail in a "drug-free school zone," Ottman said.

Possession of any amount of most other controlled substances would become an automatic fourth-degree felony, the Daily Times said.

The signs, which cost about $30 apiece, were paid for by a $200 donation from Sam's Club and were made by the city of Farmington, the paper reported.

And police would like to see signs go up around other Farmington schools, possibly with companies or organizations adopting a school, the Daily Times said.

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