Twelve students at Horizon Middle School in Moorhead, Minnesota, fell ill on Monday after consuming high-potency THC gummies brought to school by a classmate. The incident led to the arrest of the student’s parents, Martin Hulst, 40, and Amanda Hulst, 43, who authorities allege were running a drug operation out of their home and utilizing their child to distribute products.
The situation unfolded Monday afternoon when multiple students arrived at the school nurse’s office complaining of identical nausea symptoms. According to Moorhead Area Public Schools Superintendent Brandon Lunak, the sudden influx of sick children triggered an immediate investigation. Local police were called to the scene after students revealed they had eaten candy shared by a classmate.
Emergency responders transported two students to a local hospital, while the remaining ten were released to their parents. Court documents reveal that the physical impairment from the edibles caused one child to fall and suffer a head injury. Investigators later determined the “candy” consisted of sour strip belts infused with 300 mg of THC—a dosage significantly higher than standard commercial recreation limits.
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Moorhead Police Chief Chris Helmick stated during a press conference that investigators quickly identified the source student as the Hulsts’ child. Information obtained during student interviews indicated a broader distribution scheme. According to police reports, Martin Hulst routinely supplied his child with THC vape cartridges to sell to peers at school, later collecting the cash earnings from the minor.
Following the school incident, police executed a search warrant at the Hulst residence. Investigators discovered a substantial distribution setup, describing the basement as being arranged like a commercial storefront, complete with scales, packaging materials, and plastic bags stamped with “Thank You.” The search yielded what police described as “prohibited amounts of suspected THC products in the form of flower, cartridges, and wax, along with psychedelic mushrooms,” alongside $73,380 in cash inside a safe.
The parents were not home during the initial raid, as they were vacationing in California. Law enforcement intercepted and arrested the couple on Wednesday as they traveled home from the airport. Other children living in the residence have since been removed and placed in the custody of Clay County Social Services.
Both Martin and Amanda Hulst are currently held at the Clay County Jail. They face nine felony charges each, including possession of a controlled substance, sale of a controlled substance, possession of a hallucinogen, and reckless child endangerment. Prosecutors have applied aggravating factors to the charges due to the sale of narcotics to minors and the high volume of contraband seized. Future court dates have not yet been scheduled.
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