Monday's $1.2 million marijuana bust may be the least of the State College Police Department's worries, as Lt. Christopher Fishel said Thursday he's noticed heroin use is on the rise at Penn State.
"Pot is prevalent, however, we're also seeing increases in heroin and hallucinogens like acid, ecstasy and mushrooms," he said.
Fishel said most Penn State students who break drug laws will most likely get tougher consequences because they live within 1,000 feet of a school.
Fishel said this includes Penn State or other local schools.
Earlier this week, police arrested four Penn State students in connection with a $1.2 million drug bust. Two of those students, 21-year-old Sanjay A. Deendyal, 677 Leslie Lane, Yardley; and 22-year-old Michael S. Montgomery, 370 Pinkerton Road, Wexford, are members of the same fraternity, police said.
They were both charged with one count of possession with the intent to deliver marijuana, one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, police said.
Deendyal was also charged with one count of criminal use of a communications facility, police said.
According to court documents, 23-year-old Penn State student Paul R. Spara, 161 Gressley Road, Ruffs Dale, would deliver the marijuana to fraternity houses and apartments.
Interfraternity Council (IFC) President Luke Pierce expressed concern over the recent drug bust, calling it both "a high priority."
However, Pierce also said the drug bust was an "isolated" instance.
"It's a very high priority. It's an indicator that there are instances we're not aware of. We need to refocus our efforts," Pierce (junior-economics) said.
"Many of these incidents are isolated. These institutions aren't being used to push or peddle any of these drugs," Pierce said.
Fishel said if fraternities or apartments were used as part of a drop-off point or location for a transaction, "the punishment increases significantly," he said.
"I'm aware that fraternities or residents at the fraternities have been under investigation but I can't comment on any current ones," he said.
Pierce said that he has talked with fraternity leaders about the current situation.
Pierce said he plans to carefully watch any new developments regarding the case.
"It's concerning and disappointing that previous leaderships of fraternities allowed such conduct," he said. "I only hope that they made measures to hold the chapter members accountable to the standards of their fraternity and to the standards of our community."
