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Students charged with drug trafficking

Published: Sunday, October 30, 2011

Updated: Monday, October 31, 2011 00:10

Two USF students have been charged with 24 counts of trafficking illegal drugs, including marijuana, LSD and opium.

Erick Romain, a student majoring in sociology, and Eric Tridas, a graduate student studying mechanical engineering, were arrested last Tuesday for drug possession with intent to sell.

Both men were listed as living at Cypress Run apartments off campus, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrest inquiry.

The arrests were filed under the same charge, and Tampa Police Department detectives are currently investigating the case. Details leading to the arrests could not be released, as the investigation is on-going.

According to the University Police (UP) Safety Report, last year there were 54 drug law-related UP arrests on and around campus — the highest cause of arrest after burglary.

Tridas was released from prison Friday and Romain remains in prison with bail set at $100,000.

— Staff report by Divya Kumar

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7 comments

Anonymousity
Thu Nov 17 2011 18:19
Well said anonymous from Nov.2. More people are dying from prescription drugs, the LEGAL ones alone than from all other illegal narcotics combined, excluding the drugs they were arrested for, and including the drug heroin. inverted totalitarian control, they punish citizens for uncontrolled drugs while they legitimatize local pharmacies and provide them security. and meanwhile, big pharm manufacturers make billions and supply the demand for addicts through "legitimate" means in the form of elite bureaucratic safeguards.
Whistle Blower
Fri Nov 11 2011 08:25
Don't worry too much everybody.

These guys just got sloppy.

You'd have to be pretty isolated from the collegiate drug culture and the massive drug market surrounding most heavily urban American cities, like Tampa, to be the least bit surprised or offended enough to call for further action.

Many students' financial desperation makes it much easier to say yes to all the quick cash from this thriving trade, and they often graduate and hold prestigious jobs - with nobody ever knowing the truth.

These two are being charged with serious crimes, illustrating why so much money comes so quickly.

Anonymous
Wed Nov 9 2011 10:13
So these "nice, kind hearted guys, are just misunderstood student business men who just happen to sell illegal narcotics. Thousands of lives are destroyed by nice guys like these. I wish for their quick fair trial, conviction and lengthy jail term. SCREW THEM!
Anonymous
Wed Nov 2 2011 11:56
You're a prime example of an ignorant closed mind sterotyping individual. Had you had the pleasure of knowing these two individuals you would know they are extremely intelligent, kind hearted, and fun loving guys. They would never do anything to hurt or take advantage of anyone, nor wish someone ill will. They would never be a negative person wishing bad things for others like you.

On top of that, where do you grow up? You really think USF is the only university in the US where students sell drugs? Every university, every community, every state has people who sell drugs. Wake up and be realistic, you ignorant schmuck.

Anonymous
Tue Nov 1 2011 16:12
This is a prime example of the type of people that attends this University. Terrorist supporters and now Drug Dealers. Theses two idiots are in business because there is a demand for what they are selling. But as always USF will never get the clue.
Anonymous
Mon Oct 31 2011 18:19
The war on drugs destroys some more lives... those cops showed them!
Anonymous
Mon Oct 31 2011 08:54
The tip of the Iceberg. I hope they will spill the beans on all their fellow student customers






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