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When a San Diego State University freshman died of a cocaine
overdose last May, the campus police launched what would become one of
the nation’s largest campus drug busts: Operation Sudden Fall. In an
unusual instance of cooperation between a university and the federal
Drug Enforcement Administration, undercover agents were installed on
campus and right before finals 128 people were arrested (including 95
students), and six fraternities were suspended. Now, nearly four months
later, less than half of those arrested will face charges. 22 students
accused of felonies have been expelled, and nine students charged with
misdemeanors are on disciplinary probation. The university has lifted
three of its original six fraternity suspensions. Only 77 of the 128
arrests were referred to the San Diego County district attorney's
office, and of those only 58 active charges were made. 29 have pleaded
guilty. Officials praised the operation as a strike against widespread drug use, but students said they felt the bust tarnished the school’s reputation and left many confused by the administration’s priorities.

More from San Diego State’s student newspaper, The Daily Aztec
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