Kindergartener’s Drug Scare

The state of Missouri’s public image is really taking a hit lately. First, it was unofficially named the Meth Capital of the United States. Then, as if to drive home that point, a kindergartener in western Missouri recently brought his mom's crack pipe and $3,700 worth of crystal meth to school for show-and-tell.

According to local news affiliate KCTV, the boy was told to bring important family items to share with his classmates. Teachers and authorities in the small town of Sweet Springs were shocked when the boy pulled the illegal drugs out of his backpack.

"When I called the prosecutor about it, they said, 'You're kidding me, aren't you?" Sweet Springs Police Chief Richard Downing told KCTV.

Not surprisingly, the boy's 32-year-old mother was charged with possession of a controlled substance and child endangerment. The child is in the custody of “loved ones" and the mom quickly posted bail. She was later treated for complications from a recent gastrointestinal surgery.

Crystal Meth Treatment

While this family is getting help, there are countless more like it, where children are placed in dangerous situations as a result of their parents’ addictions. If you or someone you love is in need of crystal meth treatment or help with any other substance abuse issue, call La Paloma at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.