University of Virginia Library

Rumors Claim Narcotics
Agents Infiltrate Grounds

Reports have reached The Cavalier
Daily that federal narcotics agents may
be moving into the University community
with the intention of "busting"
students using drugs.

If the reports are true, this would
be the first known venture of federal
authorities into the direct area of the
University in connection with drug
use.

Two areas mentioned specifically as
"hot spots" by a source, who prefers
to remain anonymous, are the dormitory
area and several fraternity houses.
These are areas which may be likely to
be watched.

Members of one fraternity reportedly
learned from "someone outside
the University" that their house
might soon be placed under surveillance
by federal agents. They are
apparently taking the report seriously
in spite of the fact that many rumors
of "imminent busts" circulate through
the University every year.

Should agents move into the University,
one student said he thought it
"would change the complexion of a
scene which has long been relatively
free from conflict between students
and authorities on the question of
drugs."

It has been believed by many for
some time that federal authorities as
well as the local police would refrain
from arresting University students as
long as they were not involving local
high school students in the use of
drugs.

Dean of Student Affairs D. Alan
Williams told The Cavalier Daily he has
"heard nothing of the reports," but
said that did not preclude the possibility
that they are true.