Cocaine Trafficking Ring in Pennsylvania

Authorities in Pennsylvania have charged over a dozen individuals in connection to a significant cocaine distribution network. The state’s Attorney General, Dave Sunday, revealed that fourteen people are facing charges linked to a coke-smuggling scheme involving students and two off-campus fraternities associated with Penn State University.

According to the Attorney General’s office, “Thirteen of the defendants were students at Penn State University around the time of the alleged activities in 2023 and 2024. The fourteenth defendant, the father of one of the students, faces charges for tampering with evidence and obstructing an investigation.” It seems that the ramifications of this operation are extensive.

In his announcement, Attorney General Sunday identified Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson as the key suppliers of the operation. They reportedly made frequent trips to Philadelphia and New York to acquire “large quantities” of illegal substances.

Investigators have pointed to members of the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities, who are suspected of cutting and packaging cocaine within their off-campus properties before distributing it to other students at Penn State.

That same day, the Attorney General’s office also mentioned two more individuals, Mohamed Hlabi and Lars Zepvat, who have been charged with felonies related to the operations of a corrupt organization and conspiracy, as well as handling gains from illegal activities.

In addition, Robert Zanora faces charges for felony conspiracy and the illegal use of communication facilities, along with related misdemeanors. It turns out that eight other individuals, described as “student-aged defendants,” have been slapped with misdemeanor charges for possession and paraphernalia. The list includes several names like Liam Smith and Michael Brogno, and it raises questions about the culture surrounding the fraternities.

The official statement from the Attorney General remarked, “This was an organized and highly profitable drug trafficking ring revolving around two fraternity leaders and their associates.” Allegedly, some pledges were introduced to the fraternity by participating in the cutting and packaging of cocaine. Quite alarming, right?

What’s more, Thomas Robinson’s father, Paul Robinson, has also been charged with felony tampering and hindering apprehension, after reportedly destroying evidence linked to the investigation.

In response to these revelations, Penn State University announced that it has taken action regarding the allegations. The Delta Upsilon fraternity is currently provisionally suspended while an investigation unfolds, and they noted that Sigma Chi is operating without university recognition.

Andrea Dauer, the university’s vice president for student affairs, expressed the institution’s dismay, stating, “We are appalled by these serious allegations against current and former students. We cooperate fully with law enforcement in every way, and we are committed to health, safety, and education regarding these issues.”

This is certainly a developing story, and one can only wonder how this operation managed to thrive for so long without being detected.