Fulton County Schools Police Department (FCS) and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) have released the initial results of an investigation regarding an incident that occurred on February 14, at Sandtown Middle School in Atlanta.
Twenty-eight students from the school were treated at area hospitals on Valentine’s Day after complaining of nausea, disorientation, and hallucinations. FCS reported that the students had consumed heart-shaped lollipops, Rice Krispy treats, and other snacks during the day.
“The GBI test lab has provided confirmation that THC (a chemical compound of cannabis/marijuana) was found in one of the samples from Sandtown Middle School,” said FCS Division of Safety and Security executive director Dr. Shannon Flounnory. “This is an ongoing investigation, but FCS wanted to provide this information to the parents and community as soon as it was available and confirm what we know at this point.”
According to a statement released by GBI, they detected the presence of THC on an item that had the appearance of cereal. The GBI Crime Lab will continue to make a complete analysis of all items related to the incident.
“The FCS Student Code of Conduct specifically prohibits possession of unauthorized intoxicants on campus,” said Dr. Flounnory. “We will investigate this thoroughly and will see this through to the fullest extent possible.”
In a statement released Thursday by Sandtown Middle School principal Estella Cook, she said that they are working with FCS to assist in the ongoing investigation though they cannot provide any information regarding the identity of suspects or potential actions against them due to federal privacy laws for students.
