Teens arrested amid growing drug problem at Montgomery HS

MONTGOMERY, TX (KTRK) -- Montgomery High School is an all-American school, and like so many others there is a drug problem. In fact, Montgomery ISD police have arrested three juveniles at the high school and another three were taken into custody Tuesday afternoon in connection with the school's drug problem.

As our camera rolled, two girls and a boy left a home in handcuffs after police were called to the address in relation to their ongoing investigation into synthetic drugs. Police confirmed they arrested a 16-year-old boy whom they consider to be a dealer, as well as his 17-year-old sister and a 17-year-old friend. Officers say the older teens tried to destroy evidence.

Phillip Cash with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office told Eyewitness News, "It started out with young adults and now we're starting to see it more with the school age kids."

"It" is synthetic LSD or acid, called n-bome or 25i.

Two weeks ago, a Montgomery HS student died from what is believed to have been an overdose. And just Friday, two more students were hospitalized as a precaution.

"It also has some terrible side effects; seizures, high fevers, even death," said Cash.

The drug costs a few dollars a hit and comes on blotter paper or stamps. Pictures of the drugs are now posted on the school's website. Monday night a standing room only meeting drew hundreds of parents. The message -- know what your kids are doing.

"Know the password to your kid's cell phone," stressed Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon. "Look through the text messages, be snoopy."

The district wants communication with its parents. It doesn't want to hide the issue. Parents at the meeting appreciated that candor.

"It eases parents' minds to know that the school is being proactive on everything," said Sherri Kennedy. "I think it was great that they really emphasized that parents are the most important part of this process. The parents need to be paying attention."

Linda Porten, a single mother and former teacher, said that kind of partnership wasn't available years ago when her daughter struggled with drug abuse.

"My daughter went to several drug rehabs and ended up taking her to a boarding school in Mexico where she stayed for 15 months. She graduated the program. She's successful today."

A district spokesperson says this is just the first step in opening the dialogue, hoping to educate parents and staff and to partner with them going forward.