Jackson, New Jersey. Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone stated Thursday that seven people had been taken into custody as a result of Operation RU Pharm, a months-long undercover investigation that targeted a drug trafficking network including Rutgers University students that operated on social media.
A private social media platform made by a former Rutgers student was discovered during the multi-agency investigation, which was headed by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force and coordinated with the Rutgers University Police Department, New Brunswick Police Department, and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. Drug distributors were able to advertise their meals and look for customers inside the Rutgers community thanks to the website.
Significant amounts of marijuana, LSD, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, Adderall, Xanax, cash, and a handgun were seized as a result of the operation.
According to authorities, the inquiry revealed a network that restricted access to the site for drug browsing and purchases to those with confirmed Rutgers affiliation.
The seven people that are accused include:
- Anudeep Revuri, 23, of North Brunswick, accused of being the leader of the drug trafficking network, faces charges including first-degree Leader of a Drug Trafficking Network and multiple counts of conspiracy to commit drug distribution.
- Joshua Duffy, 20, of Somerset, charged with second-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, multiple third-degree counts of distribution and possession, money laundering, and intent to distribute drug paraphernalia.
- Zachary Petersen, 22, of Red Bank, faces charges including multiple third-degree counts of distribution, possession, money laundering, and intent to distribute drug paraphernalia.
- Catherine Tierney, 23, of Shrewsbury, charged with multiple third-degree counts of distribution, possession, money laundering, and intent to distribute drug paraphernalia.
- David Nudelman, 20, of Jackson, charged with second-degree Possession of a Firearm while committing a CDS offense, second-degree drug distribution, and multiple additional charges related to distribution and possession.
- Donovin Williams, 22, of Kingston, N.Y., faces charges including drug distribution in a school zone, additional third-degree drug distribution and possession counts, and intent to distribute paraphernalia.
- Noa Lisimachio, 21, of New York, N.Y., charged with third-degree Resisting Arrest and Obstruction of Justice.
Authorities are asking anyone with more information to call the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force at (732) 745-3300 as the investigation is still ongoing.
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