Police Bust 21 Students in University Drug Sweep

Twenty-one University of Illinois students face legal and academic sanctions after being arrested in a drug-dealing sweep. The arrests ranged from misdemeanor cannabis possessionto felony sale of controlled substances.Police seized 180 grams of marijuana, traces of cocaine, anti-anxiety pills, $3,100, two vehicles, three flat-screen TVs and two laptop computers. If any of the money or items were used in drug dealing or purchased with the proceeds of drug sales, the state may force owners to forfeit the property.The students were arrested in two dorms, three fraternities, a sorority and at off-campus housing in Urbana and Champaign.Undercover officers investigated drug dealing on the campus over a period of months in a case police called "Operation Thunder Strike."In Illinois, a person convicted of simple possessionof between 2.5 and 10 grams of marijuanaface penalties of up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,500. If the person is guilty of possessing that same amount with "the intent to deliver" the marijuana, the jail time can be up to a year and the fine can be up to $2,500.It is illegal in Illinois to possess any amount of cocaine. Possession of the smallest amount is a Class 4 felony, punishable by between one to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000.Misdemeanor convictions can be expunged two years after the penalty or court supervision has ended. Some felony drug convictions can also be expunged, according to Illinois law.Students face possible academic penalties in addition to criminal penalties. The University of Illinois student code states that its drug policy is "to discourage illicit drug use, to eliminate dealing in or providing of illegal drugs, and to uphold the law in these matters."The code asserts that students who use, sell or possess illegal drugs are subject to disciplinary actions, including suspension and dismissal.Seven of the arrested students live in Chicago or its suburbs.Four non-students were also arrested.