OFF THE WIRE
Bruce Baker
4-year-old boy offers pot (marijuana) at snack time: Report
Conn. - Police say a 4-year-old boy offered nine bags of pot to students at snack time. Reportedly, the marijuana at Hanover Elementary School student was brought in by a special needs child. Meriden police are investigating how the drugs got in the child's possession.
Tuesday, police officers in Meriden, Connecticut were called to Hanover Elementary School by officials, who reported the illegal drugs in the child's possession. Upon arrival, police met with school staff and the four-year-old boy who offered nine bags of pot to fellow students during snack time.
According to the Huffington Post, the marijuana was neatly wrapped in nine separate bags. Police believe it had been prepared for sale or distribution.
Because the student is a special needs child, apparently he was not aware what the substance was and what he was doing. Thankfully no other students witnessed the incident, and no one was exposed to the illegal marijuana. Hanover school officials say the incident is "extremely unfortunate" and "isolated."
"At 4-years-old, someone gave it to him, or he took it, not knowing what it was," said Arthur Werley, teacher at Hanover Elementary School.
Now police investigators are turning their attention to the source of the marijuana, and who may have been preparing it for sale or distribution. Apparently, this is not a child's matter; someone who knows right from wrong is likely responsible for the pot being in the 4-year-old boy’s possession at snack time.
"What's so disheartening is this is really an adult issue and problem and adult behavior put a student at risk," said Meriden schools Superintendent Mark Benigni.
Because a child is involved in this criminal matter, the Department of Children and Families is looking into the incident as well. Undoubtedly, questions are being raised regarding the home care of the child and his personal welfare.
What do you think about the 4-year-old boy who bought nine bags of pot to snack time?
