Child finds vial of cocaine, tastes it on Auburn school playground

Two small vials of cocaine were found last week on the playground of Evergreen Heights Elementary School, according to the Auburn Police Department. Some of the powdered substance wound up in the mouth of a student involved.

AUBURN, Wash. - Two small vials of cocaine were found last week on the playground of Evergreen Heights Elementary School, according to the Auburn Police Department. Some of the powdered substance wound up in the mouth of a student involved.

Police later determined the powder was cocaine.

Initially described in a letter to parents as a "glass jar," a police spokesperson told FOX 13 the containers were much smaller.

Still, the incident is concerning for parents who spoke to FOX 13.

"How does it even get on a school playground?" asked one parent.

In the letter, school officials said they did not know how the drug ended up on the playground. But police believe it may have fallen out of someone’s pocket.

The school district confirmed the student who tasted the cocaine is okay, and says it is a "great time" to remind your children to never eat, drink or inhale something unless it comes from a trusted adult.

"We bring this to your attention because it is a great time to remind your students they should never eat, drink, or inhale something unless it comes from a trusted adult," a portion of the letter read. "Drugs are a community problem and it takes the entire community to keep students safe."

Staff agreed to talk with students about the district's "See something, say something" protocol about anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.

"They really need to keep a better eye on things," said parent Jesus Ortiz. "Kids are curious. They’ll surprise you. They’ll dig up anything and put it in their mouth."

Auburn Police told FOX 13 it is not investigating the drug finding beyond the initial discovery.

"The vials were tested destroyed," said police department spokesperson Kolby Crossley.

Auburn Crime and Public Safety