Powder found at EK Baker School tests positive for possible controlled substances

From Local 3 News: A McMinn County elementary student brought a powdery substance that contained several controlled substances to the EK Baker School Friday morning.

The SRO was made aware that two to three students were drinking a strange liquid out of a sports drink bottle, which they believe was mixed from powder in a bag they also found.

“The student at first claimed it was a powdered laxative,” said Sheriff Guy. “Our officers tested it, and the field tests did not show any illicit substance. But out of an abundance of caution, our officers wanted to make sure so they then took it and tested it with a more detailed test with the assistance of the 5th District Drug Task Force. While this was occurring, our school officials monitored the health of the students involved and notified their parents. The second, more detailed test of the powder the officers undertook indicated the presence of several controlled substances, such as Cocaine, Xylazine, and Methamphetamine.”

“The Sheriff’s Office, along with School administrators, advised the parents of the students involved to seek immediate medical examinations as Xylazine is an extremely dangerous substance.” Sheriff Guy added that he is not currently aware that any of the students who may have had contact with the substance becoming ill, nor having any other health problems related to the incident.

“We will be conducting further testing of the powder at the TBI crime lab, to confirm exactly what it is,” said Sheriff Guy. “And we are working closely with our School Administrators, Department of Children Services, and the Drug Task Force to ensure the safety of our students and to conduct a thorough criminal investigation as to the source of where the substance came from.”

A search and investigation at the student's home indicated that the substance may be a powdered laxative, but it may have been placed in a bag that was previously used for the xylazine and other drugs.