Cops: Stolen pills sicken students

AZTEC, N.M. (KREZ-KRQE) - Six students at Aztec High School were sickened last week after popping prescription pills that belonged to another kid's mother, according to police.

He didn't get sick, but now 16-year-old Tayton Arthur is charged with larceny.

Police say Arthur stole the muscle relaxer Baclofen and brought the pills to school.

"Apparently another student got a hold of them and decided he would decide to sell and distribute them amongst some other students," said Officer Jerry Blake of the Aztec Police Department.

Police found out after a student was found passed out in the school's bathroom last week.

Police say some of the students popped those pills and then mixed them with other drugs.

"They had like a contest to see who did the most drugs and the kid who won is the one that's at UNM," said Aztec student Dominique Sandoval.

In all six students were taken to hospitals, one was transported by ambulance to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque.

"I think it's a real safety issue, the parents themselves should take a little bit more, I think should take a little bit more caution," said parent Manuel Sandoval.

All six students are okay, but the superintendent says this was a close call they're not taking lightly.

"We're not going to turn the other way, it's something that we are going to continue, and I stress continue to address," said Aztec Schools Superintendent Kirk Carpenter.

The district plans on taking a look at its current policies and discussing other approached at a meeting next week.

In the meantime, police are still sorting out what happened and deciding which kids will face charges.