Moorhead, Minnesota — A disturbing incident at a Minnesota middle school has led to serious felony charges against two parents after multiple students became sick from consuming what they believed was ordinary candy.
Authorities say the products were actually THC-infused gummies allegedly connected to a drug-selling operation run out of the family’s home.
Students Suddenly Become Ill at School
The alarming situation unfolded Monday afternoon at Horizon Middle School in Moorhead when several students began reporting similar symptoms, including nausea.
As per a local outlet, according to school officials, students started arriving at the nurse’s office feeling unwell after eating candy shared by another student earlier in the day.
Superintendent Brandon Lunak later confirmed during a press conference that school staff quickly realized multiple children were experiencing the same symptoms.
Police were called after students revealed they had eaten what they believed was regular candy distributed by another student.
THC Gummies Allegedly Distributed at School
Investigators later determined the products consumed by students were actually sour strip belts containing 300 milligrams of THC.
Authorities said a child connected to Martin Hulst, 40, and Amanda Hulst, 43, allegedly brought the gummies to school and shared them with classmates.
The incident reportedly left 12 students sick, with two children transported to the hospital while the remaining students were released to their parents.
According to court records, one child reportedly suffered a head injury after falling while ill.
The shocking discovery immediately triggered a larger criminal investigation into the family.
Police Say Child Was Selling THC Products for Parents
During the investigation, police interviewed students and uncovered allegations that the Hulsts’ child had been selling THC products at school as part of their parents’ operation.
According to investigators, one student claimed Martin Hulst supplied THC vape cartridges to his own child to sell to other students, later collecting the money himself.
Moorhead Police Chief Chris Helmick confirmed authorities obtained a search warrant for the family’s home after identifying the student involved.
What officers allegedly discovered inside the residence escalated the case dramatically.
Investigators Find Drugs, Cash and “Storefront” Setup
Police said they uncovered large amounts of suspected THC products, including flower, cartridges and wax, along with psychedelic mushrooms, scales, packaging materials and $73,380 in cash stored inside a safe.
Investigators also claimed the basement had been arranged like a small storefront operation.
Authorities said bags printed with “Thank You” were found among the packaging materials, suggesting products were allegedly being prepared for sale.
The discovery led to multiple felony charges against both parents.
Parents Arrested Returning From Vacation
At the time police searched the residence, the Hulsts were reportedly vacationing in California.
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Authorities later arrested the couple Wednesday while they were returning home from the airport.
Police also confirmed that other children living in the household were placed into the care of Clay County Social Services following the arrests.
Martin and Amanda Hulst remain in custody at the Clay County Jail.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
The couple now faces nine felony charges, including possession of a controlled substance, sale of a controlled substance, possession of hallucinogens and reckless child endangerment.
Authorities said the charges carry additional aggravating factors because the alleged drugs were distributed to minors and involved quantities significantly exceeding legal thresholds.
Officials have not yet announced the couple’s next court dates.
The case has sparked widespread concern among parents and school officials about THC products packaged to resemble regular candy and their potential danger to children.
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