Penn State cocaine bust: how fraternity houses were used to package drugs

Pennsylvania authorities have charged 14 people in an alleged cocaine trafficking ring that prosecutors say operated through fraternity networks around Penn State University.

Investigators allege Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson led the operation between 2023 and 2024, obtaining large quantities of cocaine from New York City and Philadelphia before transporting it to State College.

The drugs were allegedly cut, packaged and distributed mainly through members and pledges associated with the Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon fraternities, according to Pennsylvania authorities.

Investigators say fraternity houses were used to package cocaine before it was sold largely to Penn State students.

The case has attracted particular attention over allegations involving fraternity pledges, students seeking full membership in the organisations.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said investigators found evidence that some pledges helped cut and package cocaine as part of their alleged indoctrination into the fraternities.

Penn State said Delta Upsilon has been placed on interim suspension amid the investigation. Sigma Chi is not currently recognised as an official university organisation.

Authorities allege the trafficking network operated for roughly two years, connecting cocaine suppliers outside State College with a distribution network centred around the university community.

The charges remain allegations, and the defendants have not been convicted.