Students have been accused of running a lucrative cocaine ring targeting fellow classmates, with fraternity pledges allegedly forced to package drugs as part of their initiation.
Fourteen people have been charged after an investigation into an alleged operation which prosecutors claim saw cocaine brought in from major US cities before being cut, packaged and sold.
Investigators claim the ring was run by members of two student fraternities, with some allegedly roping in new recruits to help prepare the drugs.
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Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday described it as a “coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew” involving senior fraternity members, other brothers and pledges, as reported by Need To Know.
He said evidence suggested packaging cocaine had become an “indoctrination” exercise for some pledges.
The drugs were allegedly sold mainly to fellow students, with deals said to have taken place at fraternity houses, parties and social gatherings.
Prosecutors have identified two men as alleged major suppliers, claiming they travelled to obtain large quantities of cocaine before bringing it back for distribution.
The alleged ring was uncovered after detectives began working with confidential informants and carrying out controlled drug buys.
Authorities say the investigation began in September 2024 and eventually exposed what they described as an organised trafficking network.
Among those charged are Agostino Abbatiello, 24, and Thomas Robinson, 23, who prosecutors allege were involved at the upper level of the operation.
Abbatiello, a member of one of the fraternities, was described by investigators as a major supplier of cocaine to students.
In total, 13 current or former students have been charged alongside one parent, who is accused of helping conceal evidence.
Several defendants face serious felony charges including conspiracy, participation in corrupt organisations and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity.
Others face charges relating to drug possession and drug paraphernalia.
The alleged operation centred around Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon, two fraternities connected to Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania.
Authorities stressed there was no evidence cocaine was packaged on the university campus itself, with the alleged activity instead taking place at fraternity houses away from the main campus.
Prosecutors claim some fraternity pledges – recruits going through the initiation process before becoming full members – were pressured into helping package cocaine.
Penn State has since taken action against one of the fraternities, while the other is not currently recognised by the university.
Penn State said it was “horrified” by the allegations and would co-operate with investigators.
The university added that criminal activity and hazing had no place within its community.
The drugs were allegedly sourced from cities including New York and Philadelphia before being transported back to Pennsylvania and sold to students.
The investigation, dubbed Operation Drugs Unlimited, remains ongoing and authorities have not ruled out further charges.
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