Reported By: Rob Hughes (rhughes@kswt.com)

Imperial, CA October 29- More than 1,000 local 6th graders get a reality check about the dangers and consequences of doing drugs. The annual "Drug Store" program promotes healthy behavior and making good choices.

The "Drug Store" is an annual 3-day event held at the Imperial Valley Expo during Red Ribbon Week, and sponsored by the Imperial County Sheriff's Office. The program is a graphic 'dramatization of how lives are ruined and lost from drugs every day.

The "Drug Store" is so real, students can't tell the difference.

"When they come in, they're all smiles, and then at the end they're more stoic and a little more, wow, that was kinda scary; is it a scare tactic? Probably, but drugs are scary, and they have to know that," said Tina Garcia, Crime Prevention Coordinator with the Imperial County Sheriff's Office.

The students don't know Jonathan Ortiz is an actor playing the part of a drug user.

"It was fun just to hang out with the 6th graders and become their friend, it feels kinda sad because you have to get in trouble and they look at you and they're like, oh, he was my friend," said Ortiz.

Jonathan steals drugs and students watch in horror as he is busted, goes to Juvenile Hall, and then Court. Later Jon overdoses at a party, and dies on the operating table with his mother at his side.

The program ends at the Funeral Home where students look into a casket with a mirror inside, showing that drugs could take their life too. The students then pledge not to take drugs.

"They need to try to make it because it's very intense, it's very real, and it's the best drug education I think anybody could give or receive," said Natalie Peraza, a teacher at Magnolia Elementary School in Brawley and a parent.

The event has grown by 350 students in just one year.