Grade School Drug Ring Busted

By Sam Penrod, KSL News

January 16, 2013 Updated Jan 15, 2013 at 7:57 PM PDT

(KSL) A group of Provo, Utah sixth-graders and an eighth-grade student all have been suspended and one arrested in connection with a drug distribution operation that police say has gang ties.

It's a case that has even law enforcers shaking their heads at what they're calling "organized crime on an elementary level."

"11-year-olds, they can barely tie their own shoes, let alone introduce drugs into their lives and expect them to function on a normal level," said Provo Police Lt. Mathew Siufanua.

"We've always had gangs in Provo. What probably sticks out a little bit more than this is the organization this kid had - and getting the other kids involved - and the age of these kids involved," Siufanua said.

Provo police believe a 14-year-old boy from Centennial Middle School arranged to buy marijuana from a person or people and then paid eight 6th-graders -- all about 11-years-old -- to go pick up the drugs.

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