MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVLY/Gray News) — A middle school student in Minnesota was arrested for bringing more than 1,500 fentanyl pills to school, according to police.

The Moorhead Police Department said the incident happened Thursday at Horizon Middle School.

Moorhead Police Chief Chris Helmick confirmed in a press conference that the student had 1,500 blue fentanyl pills, with a street value of about $25 per pill.

Another student saw the pills and reported them to a staff member, who then alerted the school resource officer, Helmick said.

“We commend the students who came forward — your actions helped protect others,” Helmick said in a statement.

The student in question was “safely detained,” and police took possession of the pills.

The 13-year-old was arrested for first-degree possession of a controlled substance. His parents were notified and he was taken to the West Central Juvenile Detention Center.

Because of his age, the student’s identity will not be released, police said.

In a statement, the school district said the safety and security of its students are the highest priority.

“Any possession, distribution, or involvement with illegal substances is taken extremely seriously in Moorhead Area Public Schools. Students found to be in violation of law or district policy will face appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion, and the district will cooperate fully with law enforcement in pursuing prosecution when applicable,” Moorhead Area Public Schools Superintendent Brandon Lunak said.

The police department said it plans to conduct random drug searches at the school using K-9s going forward.

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