KSWO, Lawton, OK- Wichita Falls, TX: News, Weather, Sports. ABC, 24/7, Telemundo - 12 y.o. suspected of selling drugs at local middle school
Member Center:
LAWTON, Okla. - A 12-year-old Lawton Eisenhower Middle School student is suspected of selling the prescription drug Xanax, a drug found in lots of medicine cabinets.
School officials, through a Crimestoppers tip, called Lawton Police Special Operations after several students started acting oddly. That is when they found the student with the drug.
Police say six children were involved. They say the students had slurred speech and were glassy-eyed. That led them to the 12-year-old who they suspect was selling the Xanax to his classmates.
"We believe an isolated incident, where they were trying to trade the drugs for something they wanted," said Lawton Police Lt. Todd Palmer.
No label was on the bottle, but police say it is Xanax.
"Xanax is one of the more common drugs that we do see," said Palmer.
It is usually taken for anxiety, but medical officials say Xanax has the same draw for teens as alcohol.
"It's said that it makes you feel really good, it makes you more social, more confident. You know all of the manipulative terms that people use to get someone else to try something," said ER lead nurse, Starlin Wood.
Xanax and other prescription drugs are easy to get. Police say all they have to do is go through the medicine cabinet at home usually.
"Pharmaceuticals in diversion of legitimate prescription drugs for illicit use is probably one of the most abused methods that kids do get drugs," said Palmer. "This matter will be referred to the juvenile bureau."
The consequences though could have been far worse though.
"If you overdose and it alters your neuro-status you might stop breathing," said Wood.
Wood emphasized the role of the parents in preventing such incidents from occurring. She says to get your kids involved in group activities, sports, school functions, whatever sparks your child's interest. And if you suspect your child doing drugs, talk to them and get professional help.
The school says it does not tolerate the misuse or abuse of drugs or alcohol and any student engaged in this type of activity will be disciplined appropriately. They also say criminal charges are possible.
