MOORHEAD, Minn. — A 13-year-old middle school student in Moorhead has been arrested after allegedly bringing more than 1,500 fentanyl pills to school, authorities said. Police say the large quantity of drugs could have posed a serious threat to students and staff.
Discovery at Horizon Middle School
According to the Moorhead Police Department, the incident occurred Thursday at Horizon Middle School when another student noticed the pills and immediately reported them to a staff member. The staff then alerted the school resource officer, who contacted police.
Chief Chris Helmick said during a press conference that officers recovered approximately 1,500 blue fentanyl pills, each worth about $25 on the street, estimating the total value at nearly $37,500.
“We commend the students who came forward — your actions helped protect others,” Helmick said.
Arrest and Charges
Police confirmed that the 13-year-old student was safely detained, and the pills were seized as evidence. The student was arrested for first-degree possession of a controlled substance, a felony offense under Minnesota law.
The child’s parents were notified, and he was transported to the West Central Juvenile Detention Center. Due to his age, authorities are not releasing his identity.
School District Responds
In a statement, Moorhead Area Public Schools Superintendent Brandon Lunak emphasized that the district takes all drug-related incidents very seriously.
“Any possession, distribution, or involvement with illegal substances is taken extremely seriously in Moorhead Area Public Schools,” Lunak said. “Students found to be in violation of law or district policy will face appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.”
He added that the district will cooperate fully with law enforcement to ensure accountability and maintain campus safety.
Increased Security Measures
Following the incident, the Moorhead Police Department announced plans to conduct random K-9 drug searches at schools in the district to prevent similar cases in the future.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing to determine how the student obtained the large quantity of fentanyl — a synthetic opioid responsible for thousands of overdose deaths nationwide.
Authorities are urging parents to talk with their children about the dangers of fentanyl and to report any suspicious behavior or substances immediately.
Stay with HonkNews.com for continued coverage and updates on the Moorhead fentanyl case and related safety measures in Minnesota schools.