At one middle school in the Capistrano Unified School District, officials said three children have been expelled over the last two years for giving Ritalin to fellow students. Soma, a muscle relaxant, has also surged in popularity. Last year at Dana Hills High School, three students were taken to a hospital after teachers noticed the groggy symptoms associated with the drug. All three students were expelled under the school's zero-tolerance drug policy, according to Ron Dempsey, executive director of pupil services at Capistrano Unified School District. Obtaining pills is not a problem.
Some students make runs to Mexico, where many prescription drugs can be bought legally, and in bulk.
Deputies earlier this year arrested a Dana Point teen for allegedly distributing Valium to classmates at a park near Dana Hills High. At the boy's home authorities discovered more than 100 tablets, which they believe he got through a connection in Mexico, Rubio said. Often, the drugs come from the family medicine cabinet or other easily accessible places where kids can pilfer parents' pill bottles. The drugs appeal to children for various reasons. No longer is there a need for nighttime runs for meetings with shady pushers in dangerous neighborhoods.