SDSU Drug Bust: 1 Year Later

By LAUREN MANARY

Updated 3:45 PM PDT, Wed, May 6, 2009

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Even though Alexander Moscow, 20, was going to college, some kids just don’t learn.

He, along with 125 others, was taken into custody during an undercover drug operation last year at San Diego State University. He was recently arrested again during a probation check at his home near SDSU where officers said they found more than 500 grams of pot and $4,000 in cash in the residence, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Two of his roommates – Kane Prost and Michael Handley – were also taken into custody. Prost was the only suspect arrested that was a current student at the university.

So what changes has SDSU made since and does this signify failure to change on the university’s part? Wednesday marks the year anniversary of the groundbreaking yearlong drug-operation, where 75 SDSU students were arrested.

“Obviously this was not a great thing that happened," said Gina Jacobs, Manager of Media Relations at the university, "But it was something we all learned from.”

Jacobs said that the school has made some big changes since. She cited Moscow’s and Prost’s arrests as successes for the college – symbolizing the lack of tolerance that the campus has for illegal substances.

"We continue to enforce drug laws," she said. " Its not something we shy away from. Students have to understand that there are legal ramifications."

As for the result of those arrests, close to 40 are serving some length of probation. Ten involved rejected or dismissed charges. Five defendants were issued citations.

For those serving time for transportation or possession, the prison terms ranged from time served to 13 years.

The purpose of the operation was to bring awareness of the problem of drugs at SDSU and to show students the consequences of drug activity, said Steve Walker, DA's office spokesperson. The sentencing for the majority of the defendants was expected by prosecutors.

Jacobs added that several new policies have been enacted since the big drug bust – from no longer allowing alcohol in any of the residence halls to implementing new programs aimed at having fun without substance abuse – and that the new policies were showing a positive effect on the campus.