Sheriff's office warns schools about drug abuse

Matt Unrau

With schools around Sanders County kicking off the school year, the County Sheriff’s Office took the opportunity to warn the schools about the dangers of prescription narcotic abuse.

In presentations at the Plains school board meeting and teacher in-service days at both Noxon and Thompson Falls Detective Doug Dryden raised awareness of the abuse and potential ease of access for narcotic abuse.

“Prescription drugs have become the new meth in this county,” says Detective Dryden. “Prescription narcotic pain killers are fast becoming the number one form of illegal drug use.”

“It really opened your eyes,” says Plains School Board Chairman John Holland. “You see the commercials on TV, but you never really think it will happen here at home. But, it is.”

At this point Holland says the Board won’t be enacting any changes in school policy, but will simply stay vigilant and be aware of what is happening, which is what Detective Dryden advised at the presentation.

“Just be aware if you have narcotic pain killers of how many you have and who has access to them. If you suspect someone maybe taking some from you please do not hesitate to call the Sheriff’s Office,” says Dryden.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration nearly 7 million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, that is more than the number who are abusing cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, ecstasy and inhalants combined.  The DEA has also reported that opoid painkillers now cause more overdose deaths than cocaine and heroin combined.