Penn State students charged in fraternity cocaine trafficking ring

Fourteen individuals, including thirteen students and one parent, have been charged in connection with a large-scale cocaine trafficking ring operating at Penn State University. The investigation, known as ‘Operation Drugs Unlimited,’ revealed that the ring primarily used the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses to cut and package cocaine for distribution to students.

Prosecutors identify Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson as the primary leaders of the operation. The group allegedly made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York to procure large quantities of cocaine. To facilitate sales, members utilized social media platforms like Snapchat and mobile payment applications such as Venmo and Cash App.

Attorney General Dave Sunday described the operation as a ‘coordinated and highly profitable drug-trafficking crew.’ Investigators noted that for some fraternity pledges, the process of cutting and packaging drugs was used as a form of ‘indoctrination’ into the organizations. Charges include felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and drug manufacturing and delivery.