Struthers High School Student Taken Into Custody on Drug Possession Charges
A 17-year-old Struthers High School student was taken into custody Monday after Poland Township Police and the Mahoning County Drug Task Force executed an arrest warrant connected to a month-long drug investigation.
A search of a Saginaw Drive home uncovered three pistols, large quantities of THC cartridges, and psychedelic mushrooms. Police say the juvenile lived in the home with his parents.
Authorities believe the teen was distributing drugs to middle- and high-school students in multiple school districts, and report that at least one child suffered adverse effects after consuming drugs provided to them.
When officers arrived to arrest the student at school, they found drug cartridges on his person and more inside his vehicle parked on school grounds.
Poland Township Police Chief Greg Wilson emphasized that the department’s highest priority is to safeguard our children. The juvenile currently faces three counts of possession of firearms and one count of possession of drugs, with additional suspects expected to face charges.
Police believe the drugs were sourced from out-of-state retail stores, which may lead to federal charges.
Struthers Superintendent Peter Pirone declined to say whether other students are involved, noting that school disciplinary measures await the outcome of the police investigation.
The juvenile is being held in the Mahoning County Jail pending juvenile-court proceedings.
This case underscores the urgent need to safeguard young people while ensuring that children involved in criminal activity are treated within a framework that prioritizes their rights and rehabilitation.
Children in conflict with the law must receive due process, appropriate legal protections, and access to supportive services that address the underlying causes of their involvement. Guidance, counseling, and structured intervention are essential to help them reintegrate into their communities and prevent further harm.
