By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

SEVERAL students on Eleuthera fell sick after consuming marijuana laced cookies which were shipped to the island, police reported yesterday. 

According to police, between 5pm and 7pm the parents of three separate teens reported to the Rock Sound Police Station that their children complained of being disoriented after consuming cookies suspected to be infused with marijuana. The teens were taken to the local clinic and treated. They are presently in stable condition.

When questioned, the teens said that they all received the cookies from a friend who had the items shipped via a mail boat from New Providence. Investigators are following significant leads.

Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) President Belinda Wilson said she was told the incident involved students from Preston Albury High School, but said it did not occur on the school’s campus. 

“It is not clear as to whether it was by mistake or intentional but it is said to have occurred in the community and not on the schools premises,” she noted in a statement yesterday.

Mrs Wilson referenced a marijuana incident which took place at S C McPherson Junior High School in March and claimed a similar incident recently occurred at a Long Island school.

“You would be aware that recently a 14-year-old boy was charged before the court for edible drugs at S C McPherson Junior High School. There was also a similar incident at North Long Island High school recently,” she said.

She complained that the Ministry of Education is “not forthcoming” on these “very serious” and “troubling matters” in her view.

Regarding the Long Island incident, The Tribune contacted district education officer Malinda Pratt to confirm but she said she could not speak on the matter and advised this newspaper speak to the principal, who was out sick.

Meanwhile, Mrs Wilson said there seemed to be “a trend” starting and urged the ministry in these “early stages” to address this matter forthwith. She also urged parents to get more involved in the day to day activities of their children.

“Talk to your children about drugs and alcohol and its possible negative impact. I am supporting the police in their endeavours to investigate these matters fully and bring the culprits to account so that they can be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We must protect our children at all cost,” said Mrs Wilson.

“I remind our teachers to continue to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour. The Bahamas Union of Teachers is prepared to work with the Ministry of Education, the police and school security and other stakeholders to devise plans on how to combat this serious issue. This must be addressed now.”

The 14-year-old charged in relation to S C McPherson allegedly sold marijuana infused Rice Krispie treats to the students, four of whom fell ill at school and had to be taken to hospital by ambulance for medical attention. Later in the day, three more students complained to their parents about not feeling well.

Police said they also admitted to eating the marijuana infused cereal and were taken to hospital for treatment.