Captain Jacques Gilbert with the Apex Police Department said they're attacking the increasing trend in drug use by uniting the Apex PD drug unit and school resource officers.

"We're definitely seeing an increase of drugs and alcohol and drug use among teens," Gilbert said.

Since the beginning of this school year, the new task force has been fighting the use popular drugs like marijuana and a new trend, the use of prescription drugs by teens.

School Resource Officer Jason Stone reminds teens that those 16 and over will be charged as an adult if caught with drugs.

"We have a no tolerance law with drugs," Stone said.

Stone said first offenders can redeem themselves.

"Once the court day comes about were all about giving students second chances," Stone said.

But Stone said if it happens again, teens can face severe punishments, including jail time.

Houston Hawley and Courtney Mclaughlin are honor students at Apex High School and heading to college next year. They say it's all about having the strength to say "no."

"I think self esteem is an issue --- being ok with the fact that you don't care what people think if you say, ‘no,'" Mclaughlin said.

Hawley agrees.

"You have to realized that it's just not worth it. You could get busted and ruin you whole future," Hawley said.

Both law enforcement and students agree parents must get involved and communication is key.

"Communication, Communication. Always talk to your kids and don't assume that it's not your kid doing it," Stone said.

The students also say getting involved with school activities or a job helps to stay out of trouble and keep teens on the right track.