Pulaski High School prescription drug investigation

PULASKI - Nine Pulaski High School students have been expelled for allegedly selling prescription drugs to their schoolmates.

Beyond the expulsions, police are recommending charges be filed against ten students. They are accused of selling drugs used for people who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.

Pulaski High School principal John Matczak says his school hasn't seen a prescription drug case to this level.

“This is a rather large situation and again I believe its been happening in other school districts in the area as well because of the accessibility of prescribed drugs,” said Matczak.

Ten teenagers, eight male and two female, are accused of selling adderall and vyvanse. The drugs are stimulants. Officials say people without ADHD take the drugs to maintain focus and gain energy.

“It's something that we have to deal with that maybe we haven't had to deal with ten years ago or 15 years ago as much,” said Matczak.

Seven of the students accused of selling the drugs were in 9th grade. There was also one student each in 10th, 11th and 12th grades.

Authorities say two of the students had prescriptions for some of the medications sold.

“One of the students involved said that when the medication was given to them, they just didn't take it, saving them so they could make money,” said Randal Dunford, Pulaski’s police chief.

Chief Dunford says the drugs were being sold for $2 to $5 a pill. In one case, he says a pain killer was also sold.

“It's following a trend we've seen statewide and even nationwide dealing with the abuse of prescription pills and medication,” said Dunford.

The investigation at Pulaski High School started in mid December, after a student came forward with information.

“Students need to take ownership of their building and when they see illegal activity like that, to immediately report it,” said Dunford.

“This is a pretty large magnitude and hopefully we won't have to continue to deal with this at such a large magnitude that we did,” said Matczak.

The teenagers range in age from 14 to 17. The lone 17-year-old is being referred to adult court, while the rest could face juvenile charges.