Police bust drug trafficking ring run by Rutgers students

By Alvin Wu
Domestic Affairs
Police bust drug trafficking ring run by Rutgers students

A parked Rutgers University Police Department car is seen at night. ZFJ/Leonard Lim

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Dec. 19 (ZFJ) — Seven people have been arrested in connection with a drug trafficking ring involving Rutgers University students, announced the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office on Dec. 5.

Operation RU Pharm was an undercover narcotics operation led by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force and assisted by the Rutgers University Police Department, New Brunswick Police Department, and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.

The operation, lasting several months, uncovered “a closed and private social media network” that Rutgers students used to buy and sell narcotics. Authorities allege that it was created by a former Rutgers student and allowed dealers to “post menus for drugs and solicit buyers from within the Rutgers University community.”

Students who verified their affiliation with the school were allowed to browse the menus and contact the dealers to negotiate purchases.

Police seized a large amount of marijuana, LSD, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, Adderall, Xanax, a large amount of U.S. currency, and a firearm.

Anudeep Revuri, 23, of North Brunswick, was charged with one count of first-degree leader of a drug trafficking network, two counts of second-degree conspiracy to commit drug distribution, and one count of third-degree conspiracy to commit drug distribution.

Joshua Duffy, 20, of Somerset, was charged with one count of second-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, five counts of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, two counts of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, one count of third-degree money laundering, and one crime of fourth-degree possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia.

Zachary Petersen, 22, of Red Bank, was charged with three counts of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, third counts of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, one count of third-degree money laundering, and one count of fourth-degree possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia.

Catherine Tierney, 23, of Shrewsbury, was charged with three counts of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, three counts of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, one count of third-degree money laundering, and one count of fourth-degree possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia.

David Nudelman, 20, of Jackson, was charged with one count of second-degree possession of a firearm while committing a CDS offense, one count of second-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, one count of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, one count of fourth-degree possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia, and one count of possession of a controlled dangerous substance (disorderly persons offense).

Donovin Williams, 22, of Kingston, New York, was charged with one count of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone, three counts of third-degree distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, three counts of third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and one count of fourth-degree possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia.

Noa Lisimachio, 21, of New York City, New York, was charged with third-degree resisting arrest and obstruction of justice (disorderly persons offense).

The investigation is active and continuing, and anyone with information is asked to call the MCPO Narcotics Task Force at (732) 745-3300.

The charges against all of the defendants are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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