NEW YORK (WOWO) — A series of drug-related deaths and major trafficking investigations at American colleges is raising new warnings about the dangers students face from fentanyl, cocaine and unregulated substances sold in retail shops. Retired NYPD Inspector and Fox News contributor Paul Mauro say s drug networks are increasingly targeting college students, and parents need to prepare their children for the risks before they leave home. The cases include a fentanyl poisoning death at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, two suspected overdose deaths at the University of Mississippi and an alleged cocaine trafficking operation that prosecutors say supplied students at Penn State. At FIT in Manhattan, 20-year-old Annabel Richter died after allegedly taking fentanyl supplied by two Queens men who prosecutors say told her the drug was cocaine. Moises Freire, 19, and Brian Peralta, 18, face federal charges in connection with Richter’s death and the serious injury of another woman. Both pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance resulting in death. The indictment alleges Freire also raped Richter and waited about 45 minutes before contacting campus security after she became unconscious. He faces an additional charge of distributing a controlled substance with the intent to commit rape. At the University of Mississippi, students Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20, were found dead in September. Investigators recovered packages of kratom-related products at both locations. The deaths prompted federal charges against a vape shop employee and his son over the alleged illegal sale of dangerous compounds marketed in retail products. The cases have intensified concerns about substances sold as alternatives to traditional narcotics. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against 14 men in an alleged cocaine trafficking operation involving current and former Penn State students. Investigators say the network operated out of off-campus fraternity houses, including properties associated with Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon. Prosecutors identified former student Agostino Abbatiello, 24, as the alleged leader. According to the criminal complaint, fraternity pledges were made to cut, package and bag cocaine for distribution to students around Penn State’s University Park campus. Investigators say the drugs were supplied through larger networks in Philadelphia and New York City. Penn State said allegations of drug trafficking so close to its campus were concerning and pointed to prevention messages sent to students and parents about drugs, alcohol and hazing. Mauro warned that students can be exposed to substances they may not realize are dangerous, including drugs sold under false names or disguised in consumer packaging. He urged parents to have direct conversations with their children about the risks of accepting drugs from acquaintances or buying products from unregulated sellers. The post College drug deaths and alleged campus cocaine ring expose growing dangers appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less