Two boys, ages 15 and 16, were arrested Wednesday on charges of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. The case was referred to the Jackson County Juvenile Department and both of the teenagers were released to their parents.

Police also arrested Kyle Kekoa Peterson, 22, and Kyle Albin Misener, 25, both of 43 Morse St., Ashland, on charges of manufacture, possession and delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school. They were lodged in the Jackson County Jail.

Police believe the two students got the drugs from Peterson and Misener, whose house is close to Ashland High.

"Clearly there are drugs in the schools, and the kids are getting them from enterprising individuals," Ashland police Capt. Mike DeCapua said. "Being so close to the school, this is one of the most blatant cases we've seen."

Police and detectives went to the high school Wednesday morning after a school official, acting on a tip, found pot in a backpack belonging to one of the students. DeCapua said the students were sold the drug, smoked some of it, and "they in turn were going to distribute it further." Police confiscated less than an ounce of the drug.

DeCapua didn't know if any other students were involved in the alleged ring, or how many students may have obtained the drug. Police were still investigating.