Troopers with the Kansas Highway Patrol and Officers with the Junction City/Geary County Drug Operations Group shared information regarding Drug Use of Geary County Teens Monday evening in the auditorium of Junction City Middle School.

The forum was put on by the Geary County Prevention Partnership, KHP, JCPD, 8th Judicial District Adolescent Resource Center and Geary County Attorney’s office.

Lt. Dustin Murphy with the Junction City/Geary County Drug Operations Group explained that high-grade marijuana is the most prominent drug being used by Geary County Teens at this time.

“Amongst our teens I’d say the high-grade marijuana coming in from Colorado and the area around there,” said Murphy.

He added that methamphetamine is also very prevalent in the area right now,”its kind of taking the place of crack in the recent years.”

One purpose of Monday nights forum was to educate parents and teachers on what is popular amongst teens these day’s and how to recognize signs of drug use.

“Hopefully that will benefit educators in being able to recognize some of these indicators of impairment so that they can intervene sooner,” said Trooper Sean Hankins with the KHP.

Meredith Butler, Director of the 8th Judicial District Community Corrections explained that there are a number of resources available for parents that do suspect that their children are abusing drugs.

“Definitely talk with a healthcare provider, talk with different professionals like the Junction City Police Department,” said Butler. “Theres also a resource here in town, the Adolescent Resource Center. Lawrence Palmer is the Prevention Coordinator, and we offer free drug testing for parents that are interested in knowing whether or not their child has been using some type of substance.”

Butler was a little disappointed in the turnout Monday night but was extremely happy with the information that was distributed. Roughly 30 people turned out for the forum.