Anudeep Revuri former Rutgers University student and alum id as mastermind behind drug dealing ring after developing private social media network app offering menu allowing vetted school members to purchase illicit narcotics.
A former Rutgers University alumni and six current students are accused of running a ‘sophisticated’ drug ring selling narcotics via a ‘private social media network,’ according to New Jersey prosecutors.
Earmarked as the genius behind the ‘drug dealing’ network, is Anudeep Revuri, 23, of New Brunswick, who allegedly developed a closed network app used by the group to sell narcotics to other Rutgers students.
Through the social media app, ‘narcotics distributors could post menus for drugs and solicit buyers from within the Rutgers University community,’ Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said in a statement on Thursday.
Sophisticated drug dealing app catering to Rutgers University community
‘Rutgers students who established their affiliation with the school were allowed to join the network and once given access, they were able to browse menus posted by distributors and contact them in order to negotiate purchases,’ said Ciccone, who helmed ‘Operation RU Pharm’ over several months.
Cops recovered significant quantities of marijuana, LSD, cocaine, psilocybin or ‘magic’ mushrooms, Adderall and Xanax in the bust. A gun and an undisclosed amount of cash was also seized, N.J.com reported.
Revuri was charged with leader of a drug trafficking network and conspiracy to commit drug distribution.
The narcotics ring also allegedly included six students; Joshua Duffy and David Nudelman, both 20, 21-year-old Noa Lisimachio, Zachary Petersen and Donovin Williams, both 22, and Catherine Tierney, 23, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Of note, Nudelman, had a gun on him at the time of his arrest, prosecutors said.
‘This operation highlights the extent to which drug networks can infiltrate even close-knit communities like Rutgers University,’ Ciccone reiterated.
The students face charges ranging from money laundering and possession and distribution of a controlled dangerous substance. One is further accused of dealing drugs within a designated school zone.
Revuri’s attorney, Jason Seidman, said all his client did was create an online chat room the other students exploited in order to sell drugs.
‘I haven’t seen anything that he coordinated or directed any sales,’ Seidman said. ‘He maintains his innocence and looks forward to proving it in court.’
‘The safety and wellbeing of our students is our top priority at Rutgers. The university is supporting law enforcement in its investigation,’ a spokesperson for the university said Thursday.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force at (732) 745-3300.
