Schools

Four LMK Students Found With "K-2" Herbal Incense

A similar substance, sold legally as an incense, hospitalized two men and a woman who smoked it in Rockland County in April.

Four students were found in possession of a potentially dangerous, but legal, herbal mixture on school property Thursday afternoon, police say.

The substance goes by the street name "K-2" and can be legally purchased as an incense by anyone 18 and older in New York State. But smoking it can be dangerous, three people were earlier this year after they smoked a similar product and displayed "catatonic and hallucinogenic behavior", Clarkstown police said. The product is typically sold in tobacco kiosks and can be found online, but warns specifically that it should not be smoked or ingested.

The school district was tipped-off that students were in possession of some kind of substance on Thursday and Harrison Police were immediately called to the school. Wool said school officials were unsure of what the product was, originally thinking it may have been either tobacco or marijuana. He credited the Harrison police, who quickly identified the substance as "K-2".

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Harrison Police Chief Anthony Marraccini said the substance was packaged in a round, clear, plastic cylinder, but he doesn't know if that was the original packaging. 

"It's very fortunate they are really listening to the rumor mill," Maraccini said. "They took swift action."

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Marraccini said a solid line of communication established between police and the school district led to the quick resolution. It is not known if the students intended to smoke the substance, but it is believed that the "K-2" was found and confiscated before anyone had the chance to abuse it.

"If not for the diligence of the school personnel we would have never found out," said Marraccini.

 The school did not disclose the ages of the students. LMK Middle School students are in grades six, seven and eight. Specifically how school officials became aware of the "K-2" is being withheld. 

A website selling "K-2" offers details on how to buy different blends of the substance including a list of new blends claiming to be "100 percent legal and not covered by an bans".  A statement under the conditions of use warns that the incense can only be purchased by adults older than 18 and that it is not for human consumption.

Since the incense isn't illegal, the students won't face any criminal charges, Marraccini said. The school, however, will determine punishment in accordance to its code of conduct.

"This is similar to bringing cigarettes or something of that nature to school," said Wool, who said he is working with parents and teachers to make them aware of the issue. It is not believed to be a widespread problem at the school, Wool said.

A 2010 bill , D-New City, proposed including "K-2" and four other similar products on the New York State controlled substance list. Assembly Bill Number A5008 was referred to the health department in February and has not been brought to a vote.

The Harrison School District is currently working to educate parents and students about these types of substances and the dangers of abusing them, Wool said, adding that he is looking into ways to incorporate awareness into the health curriculum.

"We took it very seriously," said Wool. "The nature of school is that you have to stay abreast to what kinds of things kids are being enticed to do."


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