7 arrested with alleged connections to Rutgers University social media drug ring
Seven people have been arrested and charged in connection to an alleged social media drug ring at Rutgers University, New Jersey officials announced this week.
Called “Operation RU Pharm,” officials said it uncovered a “closed and private social media network utilized by Rutgers University students to sell and purchase drugs,” Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said in a statement.
The press release also said that the operation led to the seizure of a large amount of drugs such as marijuana, LSD, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, Adderall, and Xanax. Apart from these, other items seized included a firearm and “a large amount of U.S. currency.”
Seven people face charges relating to the investigation, with charges of various degrees of possession and distribution of controlled substances.
Paste BN has reached out to Rutgers University for comment.
What did the sting operation find?
Prosecutors allege that a social media network was set up by an alumnus of Rutgers University to facilitate the sale and distribution of narcotics.
“Narcotics distributors could post menus for drugs and solicit buyers from within the Rutgers University community. Rutgers students who established their affiliation with the school were allowed to join the network and once given access, they were able to browse menus posted by distributors and contact them in order to negotiate purchases,” the statement said.
According to prosecutors, 23-year-old Anudeep Revuri faces charges of first-degree leader of a drug trafficking network, second-degree conspiracy to commit drug distribution, and third-degree conspiracy to commit drug distribution.
The other six people charged were identified by officials as Joshua Duffy, 20; Zachary Petersen, 22; Catherine Tierney, 23; David Nudelman, 20; Donovin Williams, 20; and Noa Lisimachio, 21. They face charges of various degrees of possession and distribution of controlled substances.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for Paste BN. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.