UNC has suspended three fraternities involved in a recent federal investigation into a drug ring, citing the alleged activity of several former students who distributed drugs within the Chapel Hill community.

A statement from UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz said the university will not formally recognize the chapters of Phi Gamma Delta, Kappa Sigma and Beta Theta Pi for an indefinite period as the investigation by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and Orange County Sheriff’s Office continues.

“We are taking swift action today because the serious nature of the alleged criminal behaviors is contradictory to our code of conduct and endangers the health of our student body and community,” wrote Guskiewicz. “We remain vigilant and are continuing to work with law enforcement to understand the extent of this activity on our campus and will take all appropriate measures to address it.”

On Thursday, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina announced 21 people are facing federal charges for conspiracy to sell drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and other narcotics on the UNC campus, as well as Duke University and Appalachian State. More than $1.5 million in drugs has been reported as sold during the period between 2017 and 2020.

The culture in Phi Gamma Delta, Kappa Sigma and Beta Theta Pi were described as “pervasive.” Cooperating defendants revealed in court documents fraternity members were often either targeted by dealers or dealt directly from the chapters’ houses. The main supplier for the drug ring, a California resident charged in 2018 by the federal government, reportedly sent hundreds of pounds of marijuana and several kilos of cocaine to Orange County on a weekly basis.

The Phi Gamma Delta chapter has also been suspended by its national leadership due to its alleged involvement in the illegal activity reported by the DEA. Executive Director Rob Caudill shared a statement with Chapelboro:

It is shocking to learn of the allegations involving our chapter and others at the University of North Carolina. These allegations are very serious, suggest conduct which violate our policies and values, and we have zero tolerance for the alleged actions. The International Fraternity has temporarily suspended the chapter, precluding any chapter activity pending the findings of an investigation. We are committed to working with law enforcement and the University to fully understand the involvement of our members.

Guskiewicz said in a statement Thursday none of the individuals named in the federal investigation so far are current UNC students.

 

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