CHARLESTON, S.C. - South Carolina's Attorney General Henry McMaster said Friday it was "grossly inappropriate" for police to draw their guns during a search for drugs at Stratford High School eight months ago but the action did not warrant criminal charges.

"There is no evidence of any degree of criminal intent on behalf of the police officers or school personnel; thus a criminal prosecution would not be appropriate," McMaster said.

The Nov. 5 raid drew national attention after a videotape aired nationwide showed students being ordered to the floor and a drug dog prowling the hall. No drugs were found and no arrests were made in the sweep, which has spawned two civil lawsuits.

McMaster began investigating the sweep after a local prosecutor asked the Attorney General's office to intervene.

The state's chief prosecutor said school officials had "probable cause" to conduct a search for drugs but criticized police officers' decision to draw weapons during the search. McMaster said taking guns from holsters was a highly dangerous tactic that could have been deadly.

"Such raid tactics are well suited for a crack house but not a school house," he said.