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.

 

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

 

Related Stories
‹
Orange County Sheriff: UNC Fraternities Involved in Large-Scale Drug Ring
Twenty-one people are facing federal charges as a result of a lengthy narcotics investigation involving several North Carolina colleges, including UNC.
UNC Wrestler Charged With Felony Assault, Suspended from Team
UNC wrestler Jace Palmer has been charged with felony aggravated assault after punching a fellow student. An incident report from the Chapel Hill Police Department says the assault took place on Monday afternoon at 828 Purefoy Road in Chapel Hill, near the intersection with Howell Street south of the UNC campus. According to court records, […]
Orange County Sheriff, UNC Distinguished Professor Both Recipients of Dogwood Awards
Two Orange County community members earned a distinguished honor from the North Carolina Attorney General on Wednesday. Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood and W.R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor for the UNC School of Government Jessie Smith are both recipients of Dogwood Awards, as announced by Attorney General Josh Stein’s office. Given each year to honor North Carolinians […]
"Hidden In Plain Sight": Exhibit Helps Parents Talk To Kids About Drugs
How to talk to your kids about drugs? How to recognize the signs of drug use? A new exhibit at University Place can help.
Race And Policing: Are We Addressing The Issue The Right Way?
How best to address racial disparities in policing? Locally, all sides are eager to come to the table.
'Renovate Don't Relocate': Roy Williams Joins Petition to Keep UNC Basketball at Dean Smith Center
As discussion around the potential relocation of the UNC men’s basketball program away from the Dean Smith Center heats up, one notable voice has spoken up in favor of the 40-year-old arena: Hall of Fame head coach Roy Williams. In a video posted on Instagram Monday night, Williams reflected on his time in the arena […]
UNC Men's Basketball vs. Notre Dame (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Tip-Off Time
UNC will return home to Chapel Hill Wednesday night when it hosts Notre Dame at the Smith Center. The Tar Heels are looking to snap a two-game losing streak. If you aren’t attending the game in person, here’s how you can follow along at home: Broadcast Schedule Those hoping to listen on the radio can […]
Here's a List of Which Transfers Have Committed to UNC Football in 2026
The college football transfer portal opened Friday, Jan. 2 and closed Friday, Jan. 16. Here’s a list of players who have committed to head coach Bill Belichick and UNC out of the portal so far, with their classes for the 2026 season: QB Billy Edwards, Jr. (Most recent school: Wisconsin, redshirt senior) Ranked 3rd in […]
UNC Women's Basketball Dominates in Win at Florida State
UNC used a 12-0 run in the second quarter to take a 19-point lead at halftime Sunday afternoon at Florida State, and the Tar Heels didn’t look back in the second half on their way to an 82-55 victory. Sunshine State 𝑺𝑾𝑬𝑷𝑻.@WellsFargo x #GoHeels pic.twitter.com/gWaSz43yRC — Carolina Women's Basketball (@uncwbb) January 18, 2026 Elina Aarnisalo […]
UNC Men's Basketball Buried Under 1st Half Avalanche, Loses at Cal
UNC’s struggling defense found no solutions Saturday afternoon at Cal, as the Bears torched the Tar Heels in the first half and built what turned out to be an insurmountable lead. Despite Carolina mounting a furious comeback attempt in the second half, it fell 84-78 for its third loss in the last four games. Carolina […]
›