Knox County Students Learn About Drug Dangers

State police and local sheriff's office team up to educate middle schoolers on substance abuse risks.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:03pm

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Hundreds of middle school students in Knox County, Kentucky attended an event on Friday where state police and the local sheriff's office taught them about the dangers of alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse. The students learned about the consequences of using drugs like fentanyl and vaping, and also saw demonstrations with K9 units trained to detect drugs.

Why it matters

Educating young people about the risks of substance abuse at an early age is crucial to preventing future drug use and addiction. This event aims to empower students to make healthy choices and say no to drugs before they are exposed to them.

The details

The event featured presentations from state police and the Knox County Sheriff's Office, who brought in a mobile substance abuse prevention trailer to teach the students. They covered a range of topics including the dangers of fentanyl, vaping, and alcohol abuse. The students also got to see K9 units trained to detect drugs in action.

  • The event took place on Friday, April 10, 2026 in Barbourville, Kentucky.

The players

Mike Smith

The Knox County Sheriff.

Blakey Jacobs

A student who attended the event and found the information meaningful.

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What they’re saying

“And we want to explain to them that they have the power to say no. You don't just wake up one day and decide to do drugs.”

— Mike Smith, Knox County Sheriff

“I like seeing all the examples and makes me visualize what drugs can do to your body. And makes me picture what it does.”

— Blakey Jacobs, Student

The takeaway

This event demonstrates the importance of proactive drug education for young people, empowering them to make healthy choices and avoid the dangers of substance abuse before they are exposed to it.