Wednesday, May 26, 2004

Middle school students accused of using cocaine

Alleged dealer apprehended

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By MATT FURBER
Express Staff Writer

Hailey police last Friday apprehended several Wood River Middle School students who allegedly were using cocaine on campus.

In the process of the investigation police arrested the alleged dealer, Ari Gumaro Carillo-Miza, 23, who lives in the mobile home park behind the North Fork Store, said Hailey Police Chief Brian McNary.

"One kid brought cocaine to school and delivered it," McNary said. At least, eight students were allegedly involved in the incident, McNary said.

The student who allegedly brought the drugs to school was taken to Snake River Juvenile Detention Center in Twin Falls.

According to the school district’s "no tolerance" drug policy, students suspected of using drugs can be tested on the spot and expelled if they are found to be under the influence of a controlled substance.

Kate Lombardi, community relations coordinator for the school, said the district is taking the steps outlined in the district drug policy and that the investigation is ongoing.

The school district is not releasing the names of the students involved, nor are they saying whether any students were tested to see if they were under the influence.

"It’s an issue of privacy," Lombardi said. But, she added that the policy is "extremely strict".

McNary said members of the Narcotics Enforcement Team, including Blaine County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the mobile home park after getting information about the alleged dealer from the student sent to the detention center.

Coincidentally, Hailey police pulled Carillo-Miza over in Hailey for a traffic infraction.

"(We) just stumbled on the guy driving through town," McNary said.

With a consensual search of Carillo-Miza’s car and mobile home, police said they seized about an once and a half of cocaine, an amount sufficient for a drug trafficking charge.

Carillo-Miza faces three felony charges, including trafficking and delivery of narcotics. The prosecuting attorney is also seeking a penalty enhancement for allegedly distributing to minors.

Carillo-Miza will have a preliminary hearing June 1.

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