Parents Shocked After Heroin Found At Children's Daycare

SELBYVILLE, Del. (WJZ) -- Heroin found at a children's daycare. The deadly drug was brought to the center by a four-year-old girl---who handed it out to classmates. It was discovered by daycare workers.

Meghan McCorkell has more on the disturbing discovery.

Investigators say the child thought it was candy and was giving it out to her classmates.

Two hundred and 49 packets of heroin were found in the hands of small children at a daycare center.

The incident happened in Selbyville, Delaware, just north of the Maryland line near the Eastern Shore. Investigators say a four-year-old girl brought the bag of drugs to Hickory Tree Child Care Center and started passing it out to classmates like candy---but observant daycare workers spotted it.

"They found it right when she passed it out so we do thank God that they had a watchful eye and most of all, we thank God that none of the children were injured," said Tamicka Goodman, Hickory Tree Child Care Center.

Those workers brought the bag of drugs to a police station across the street, where it was identified as heroin.

Several children were taken to the hospital as a precaution.

The child's mother, 30-year-old Ashley Tull, is now facing drug and child endangerment charges.

Investigators say the child's backpack was destroyed by a family pet so the mother gave her another backpack to take to school. The heroin was inside that backpack.

"For young children to come in contact with even the smallest amount of heroin can be devastating," said Delaware State Police Major Corporal Gary Fournier.

Speaking to WJZ via Skype, Delaware State Police officials praise the quick thinking of the workers at the daycare.

"Whether they knew what it was or not, they took immediate action to make sure that none of those kids ingested it or came in contact directly with the drug," Fournier said.

Action that may have saved lives.

Investigators say the street value of a bag of heroin like that is about $2,500.

The Delaware State Police are now working with the state's attorney general to determine if any more charges will be filed in the case.

Other Local News: