Additional Coverage:
- Penn State frat cocaine ring suspects allegedly used Cash App, Snapchat to arrange drug deals (foxnews.com)
New details have surfaced in the recent bust of a cocaine trafficking ring linked to Penn State fraternities. Court documents reveal that suspects utilized apps like Cash App and Snapchat to arrange drug sales and transactions.
At the center of the operation is 24-year-old Agostino Abbatiello, who authorities describe as the alleged ringleader and who has earned the nickname “Pablo Pledgescobar” online. Abbatiello is one of 14 individuals charged in connection with the scheme, which involved purchasing, packaging, transporting, and distributing cocaine.
According to the complaints, one transaction involved an associate sending approximately $30,000 to Abbatiello via Cash App in exchange for cocaine. Snapchat was reportedly used to coordinate deliveries to buyers. Two other defendants, Thomas Michael Robinson, 23, and Mohammed Huraibi, 22, are also accused of using Snapchat to facilitate cocaine deals.
Court filings indicate that Huraibi testified before a grand jury, stating that he arranged the first cocaine purchase from Abbatiello in fall 2023 using Snapchat. Robinson is accused of assisting in drug deliveries under the Snapchat username “Tommy Robinson” in 2024.
One documented deal involved an agreement to buy about 100 grams of cocaine for $4,000, with both Robinson and Huraibi contributing funds. Abbatiello then delivered the drugs to fraternity members.
This crackdown follows broader scrutiny of Penn State fraternities amid ongoing investigations into hazing and drug-related activities. Abbatiello surrendered to authorities earlier this week, was arraigned, and has been denied bail.
The case highlights the growing use of digital platforms for illicit drug transactions and underscores law enforcement’s efforts to combat drug distribution on college campuses.