Prioritizing Student Safety: A Community Update Regarding Drugs in Schools

Dear Nye County Families and Community Members,

We always prioritize the safety and well-being of our students. We are writing to share important information regarding recent events at Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) and the proactive steps being taken to keep our campuses secure.

Incident Overview

On April 27, 2026, school staff at PVHS acted quickly to assist a student experiencing a medical emergency. Thanks to their rapid response, the student was transported to Desert View Hospital for treatment.

The subsequent investigation by the Nye County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) revealed that the incident was related to the use of a THC vape pen. This investigation led law enforcement to identify and arrest individuals involved in the distribution of narcotics near our school community. Seized items included a significant number of THC vape pens, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.

Proactive Safety Measures: Today’s K9 Search

To ensure our halls remain a safe environment for learning, the NCSO brought drug-detection K9 units to PVHS today, April 30, 2026. These searches are part of our ongoing, aggressive commitment to preventing illegal substances from entering our grounds.

"Our priority is the safety of every student who walks through our doors," said Desiree Veloz, PVHS Principal. "We are working hand-in-hand with the Sheriff's Department to ensure that those who attempt to bring dangerous substances into our schools are held accountable. We will not waver in our mission to provide a secure, learning-focused environment."

What Parents and Guardians Need to Know

The investigation highlighted a growing concern: illegal narcotics, specifically THC and more dangerous substances, are being packaged in ways that may appear harmless or like common electronic devices.

We encourage parents to be vigilant and talk to their children about the dangers of "vaping" or using any substance from an unverified source.