Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the arrests of 14 individuals, most of them former or current Penn State University students, in connection with a cocaine trafficking operation that authorities say was run through campus fraternities. The investigation, dubbed "Operation Drugs Unlimited," culminated in a statewide grand jury indictment.
The alleged trafficking occurred during the 2023-2024 academic year, with cocaine being transported from New York City and Philadelphia to State College, Pennsylvania. According to the attorney general's office, at least four of those charged are current Penn State students.
Authorities identified Thomas Robinson, a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity, and Agostino Abbatiello, affiliated with Sigma Chi, as central figures in the operation. The indictment alleges that the drugs were primarily distributed to fraternity houses, where they were repackaged for sale. Attorney General Sunday described the crew as "coordinated and highly-profitable," with senior fraternity members overseeing a network that included other brothers and pledges.
In a striking detail, Sunday said that for some pledges, participating in the cutting and packaging of cocaine was part of their initiation into the fraternity. "According to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities," he said.
Robinson had previously been charged in December 2024, and his father, Paul Robinson, is among those now facing charges. The elder Robinson is accused of tampering with evidence, including hiding a safe containing drugs and cash, and obstructing the investigation.
Abbatiello remains at large and is wanted by law enforcement. The other defendants face a range of charges, from felony corrupt organizations and conspiracy to misdemeanor drug offenses. Those charged with felonies include Mohammed Hurabi, Lars Zeepvat, and Robert Zanolla, while eight others face lesser charges.
Penn State University responded with a statement expressing horror at the allegations. "We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students," said Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs. "Criminal activity, including hazing, such as this has no place at our institution." The university said it would review Delta Upsilon's recognition and noted that Sigma Chi is not currently recognized and operates outside university oversight.
The arrests come after a lengthy investigation, which officials say was necessary to ensure all members of the trafficking network were captured simultaneously. The case highlights ongoing concerns about drug activity and hazing in Greek life, a topic that has drawn increased scrutiny in recent years. For more on campus safety and legal issues, see our coverage of a recent campus shooting arrest and the Columbia lawsuit over alleged bias.
As the legal process unfolds, the case raises questions about the extent of drug trafficking on college campuses and the effectiveness of university oversight. The attorney general's office has indicated that more arrests may follow as the investigation continues.
