Drug-Laced Candy, Students Ill

On Thursday, October 6, 2022, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Deputies responded to East Ouachita Middle School regarding three juveniles that had become ill and were receiving medical care. Deputies determined all three had consumed a homemade candy that possibly contained a narcotic. Deputies also identified and located a suspect, a juvenile, who allegedly gave the candy to the three who were ill. He was found to be in possession of homemade candy that he had brought from home and that he had shared with the three victims. A presumptive test of the candy, which appears to have been made from cereal and marijuana, indicated it contained an MDMA narcotic which is related to methamphetamine or Ecstasy. The candy was seized as evidence and is being tested at the state's crime lab to identify the exact narcotic used. The juvenile suspect was arrested and booked into Green Oaks for 1 count each of Possession of CDS I (marijuana) and CDS II (methamphetamine), Possession of CDS with the Intent to Distribute, and Possession of CDS on School Property (Drug-Free Zone). His identity cannot be released since he is a minor. The three juveniles were treated and released from a local hospital.

The investigation continues.

Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Deputies also responded to Sterlington High School on the same date after students became ill. An investigation into that is underway; however, an exact cause for the illness has not been determined, and it does not appear to be related to the East Ouachita Middle School incident at this time. No one was taken to the hospital for treatment in this incident.