Print
Comment
Rate
14 freshmen reprimanded for prescription drug use, sale
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
Fourteen freshmen at Benson High School were punished last week for distributing, taking or holding prescription medication, including Vicodin, a narcotic painkiller.
High School Principal Bryan Bullington said three students were found to have brought the medication to school, and they were seen exchanging the pills with other students.
"After looking into it, we ended up with 10 kids that either bought them, distributed them or took them," Bullington said. "We were able to get pretty accurate information as to how everyone was involved."
Bullington said four other students received the pills, but knowing it was wrong, just pocketed them. However, he noted those students did not do anything to turn the others in.
"It was a peer pressure kind of thing," Bullington said. "They took the pills, but didn't do anything with them."
The pills confiscated by the school included Vicodin, a pain killer, Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Tramado, a narcotic-like pain reliever used for moderate to severe pain and prescription strength Ibuprofen.
Bullington said students were separated into three groups with severity of punishments based on involvement. While exact punishment levied could not be disclosed, Bullington noted parents were called and he described repercussions as "severe."
The three students who brought the medications to school and distributed them will be facing criminal charges.
Gary Douglas, the Benson Schools resource officer, said the three students will likely be charged with possession and distribution.
Bullington said the incident brings up a lot of concerns that school districts have, most notably the fact that students are bringing the drugs to school, handing them out, and without knowing what the drugs even do, they are taking them.
Fortunately, Bullington said, there were no adverse reactions and no medical treatment re-quired by those who took the medications.
Prescription drugs are becoming one of the most convenient supplements for teenagers to take.
"The convenience is what makes the drugs so attractive," Bullington said. "Teachers have a harder time looking for signs that a kid is on drugs, because the symptoms are harder to detect. These drugs are just easier to hide, they are easier to get and they are easier to distribute."
Bullington said getting a handle on the problem is going to require action from parents and for the medical industry to distribute prescriptions more responsibly.
Douglas agreed with Bullington, stating that parents need to lock up prescription drugs, noting, "It's like having a loaded gun sitting on the table. Prescription drugs can kill someone."
Fourteen freshmen at Benson High School were punished last week for distributing, taking or holding prescription medication, including Vicodin, a narcotic painkiller.
High School Principal Bryan Bullington said three students were found to have brought the medication to school, and they were seen exchanging the pills with other students.
"After looking into it, we ended up with 10 kids that either bought them, distributed them or took them," Bullington said. "We were able to get pretty accurate information as to how everyone was involved."
Bullington said four other students received the pills, but knowing it was wrong, just pocketed them. However, he noted those students did not do anything to turn the others in.
"It was a peer pressure kind of thing," Bullington said. "They took the pills, but didn't do anything with them."
The pills confiscated by the school included Vicodin, a pain killer, Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Tramado, a narcotic-like pain reliever used for moderate to severe pain and prescription strength Ibuprofen.
Bullington said students were separated into three groups with severity of punishments based on involvement. While exact punishment levied could not be disclosed, Bullington noted parents were called and he described repercussions as "severe."
The three students who brought the medications to school and distributed them will be facing criminal charges.
Gary Douglas, the Benson Schools resource officer, said the three students will likely be charged with possession and distribution.
Bullington said the incident brings up a lot of concerns that school districts have, most notably the fact that students are bringing the drugs to school, handing them out, and without knowing what the drugs even do, they are taking them.
Fortunately, Bullington said, there were no adverse reactions and no medical treatment re-quired by those who took the medications.
Prescription drugs are becoming one of the most convenient supplements for teenagers to take.
"The convenience is what makes the drugs so attractive," Bullington said. "Teachers have a harder time looking for signs that a kid is on drugs, because the symptoms are harder to detect. These drugs are just easier to hide, they are easier to get and they are easier to distribute."
Bullington said getting a handle on the problem is going to require action from parents and for the medical industry to distribute prescriptions more responsibly.
Douglas agreed with Bullington, stating that parents need to lock up prescription drugs, noting, "It's like having a loaded gun sitting on the table. Prescription drugs can kill someone."
 |
 |
|
| HOME GREEN HOME | Getting a head start on flu bug; get shot times scheduled |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
Benson Parent wrote on Sep 4, 2009 9:46 AM:
" Good job Mr. Bullington and Officer Douglas, I am behind you 100%! Mr. Bullington has done a GREAT job since coming into our school system of cleaning up and straightening up the school. I blame the parents! They need to spend more time with their children, listening, caring and being involved. All a child ask for is love and some time spent with them, is that too much to ask for ? NO!! These students are now old enough to know right from wrong and I'm sure all attened D.A.R.E. classes, so yes punishment is due and an example set. But teaching all starts in the HOME!! "
Expel now wrote on Sep 4, 2009 11:47 AM:
" The students that brought the drugs onto campus and distributed them should be expelled immediately. This should not be an suspension. Get them out of the school, and let them exercise their decision making skills to find another location to pursue their education. Benson HS does not need or want these types of students placing themselves and other at risk while they perform illegal acts. "
Frank Edward Blanchard wrote on Sep 3, 2009 2:19 PM:
But all our real concern should be, what about the real drug shipments that come to and go's through Benson?
Why is it only the third and fourth level criminal's or users" that are the only ones being captured and prosecuted? Benson has always been a cross roads for drug trafficking through the area that is nothing new.
Our local Police cannot catch up with the real drug traffickers?
How could this be. Is it possible corruption in Benson wear would one get such an idea?
Something has been going on for many years to allow these drug traffickers to go through Benson to distribute their drugs across the state. Who knows about it? And who is paid to turn their attention somewhere else? They would have to be pretty high up officially.??
And then given a fourth level criminals in the organization just to look like they're doing something against drugs.
Corruption is everywhere especially now with this drug war going on right around us.
Believe me when I say money is a great tool for corruption" Don't think it's not possible in our small community. It is indeed possible. Corruption" is everywhere a great deal of money is and has been paid to corrupt officials on both sides of the border.
Time for some real investigations "