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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Colorado Springs Police are investigating the use of a drug known as "black tar heroin" at Cheyenne Mountain High School in District 12.

In October, Detective Bill Walsh, a school resource officer, investigated a student found with Xanex and a fake ID. That investigation led to the information about black tar heroin.

Other than color and consistency, officials say it is not much different from other forms of heroin.

Police have arrested several people, including former Cheyenne Mountain students and Mexican Nationals.

Superintendent Cooper says he is aware of the drug problem in schools. "That's not unique to Cheyenne Mountain," he said.

Which is why the district conducts canine sweeps every year.

"Invariably we have one or two or three hits that we follow up on, either administratively or with police," said Cooper.

He says in this case there are about 20 students who may have been using "black tar heroin," a bigger drug problem than they've seen before.

"If we had one student putting their life at risk, that is significant," said Cooper.

"We're seeing quite an increase in heroin, and specifically black tar heroin, in southern Colorado and along the Front Range," said Lt. David Whitlock with Colorado Springs police.

He said families have been told about the drug use so students can get help.

"This is a pretty rare occurrence, but it is also a rare opportunity for us to intervene," he said.

"The most important thing we can do is keep our kids safe, and without the police department working with the school administration I'm not sure we would be able to do that," Cooper said.

Police believe they have spoken to all the students involved. They won't say exactly how many people have already been arrested, since it is an open investigation, but they do expect to make more arrests in the case.

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