The Tukwila Police Department and Tukwila School District collaborated on a drug investigation to ensure the safety of Foster High School students and faculty. That investigation is now complete. Results of the investigation indicate there is not a pervasive drug culture at Foster High School, though two students were arrested for selling Molly (an amphetamine-related narcotic), powdered cocaine and marijuana. These two students are being charged with felony drug sales. In addition, an adult not affiliated with Foster High School will be charged with drug sales on school property.

Two previous incidents, one involving a Foster High School student and a drug-related robbery, and one that involved a student in possession of narcotics and a firearm on the way to morning classes at Foster High School, precipitated this investigation. Because these two incidents occurred relatively close together, the Police Department and School District determined that the best course of action was to understand the scope of any potential drug related issues within Foster High School.

In order to fully understand the scale of drugs on campus, as well as the safety of students and faculty, the Tukwila Police Department utilized an undercover officer as a part of this investigation. The investigation revealed that the vast majority of Foster High School Students are not involved in drugs. Not unlike other high schools, social media plays a key role in the drug culture at Foster. Parents and educators are encouraged to talk to students about drug use and develop clear family rules regarding social media use.

The Tukwila School District has developed a flyer on social media tips for parents, which can be found here: http://www.tukwila.wednet.edu/UserFiles/File/Niegowski/SocialMediaParen…. Other resources include internet safety www.ncpc.org/topics/internet-safety/. In addition, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (www.drugabuse.org) is a great resource for parents to foster open communications among families regarding drugs.

Though the undercover investigation has been completed, follow up remains and until charges are filed the Tukwila Police Department is unable to release additional details about the investigation.