6 Clemson students among 16 charged in drug roundup

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Forty-seven charges against 16 people were announced at a news conference in Clemson Friday afternoon that was held by several law enforcement agencies. Of those charged, six are Clemson University students. The students are facing charges that include distribution of marijuana.  Of the 10 others charged, including three who are still wanted, the charges range from distributing marijuana to distribution of ecstasy, Xanax and LSD. Undercover agents and surveillance techniques employed by Operation "Spring Tiger" targeted drug possession and distribution in the Clemson community, including, but not limited to Clemson University, according to a release. At the news conference, Pickens County Sheriff Rick Clark said the drug epidemic isn't limited to college towns, but it is particularly tragic when drugs ruin the lives of young people with great potential. Clark said the drug landscape has changed and the strength of the drugs is different because of their chemical makeup, including scientifically engineered marijuana. He said drugs are now more dangerous and more addictive. He said the operation began in January, and utilized many resources to hopefully "save a life or change a life." Clark said that all types of drugs were seized in the operation. Of the 47 charges, 42 were felonies, Clark said.  He there was no specific tip that began the operation, just "one case that leads to another, that leads to another, that leads to three or four," and so on. Clark said he hopes the arrests will serve as a deterrent that might prevent students from getting involved in drugs when they are young and naive. He talked about a teen who is currently living on the streets because he says he can't go home because he is addicted to drugs.  He said that the drug investigations are in place to try to prevent any more young people from ending up addicted. Clemson officials said there are extensive drug and alcohol prevention programs on campus.  All incoming freshman are required to take an online course and a follow-up program on the risks and effects of alcohol and drugs. The agencies involved included the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Pickens County Sheriff's Office, Oconee County Sheriff's Office, Clemson University Police Department, Clemson City Police Department and The Greenville County Sheriff's Office. The following people were charged as part of the bust: Clemson students: Gregory Neil Ford Dakota William Sligh Klaris Calton Norwood, Jr. Derrick William Castles Justin Edward Hall Jason Yamil Reyes Non-students: Dustin Lee Hooper Montana Caroline Morgan Alexander Dean Pike Alex Nicholas Rankin Salisa Irene Broughton Michael Richard Cotton Joshua Collier Brunch Niesha D. Webb (still at large) Kayla Rae Erickson (still at large) Evan Matthew Roisum (still at large) WYF News 4's Mandy Gaither asked the executive director of student health services how common drug use is among Clemson students. He said his research shows the problem is about the same as it is on campuses across the country. "We know that marijuana is the drug of choice after alcohol," George Clay said. "Sixteen percent of Clemson students use marijuana. That compares to 18 percent nationally, so we're slightly below that national average." As for the charged students, their status at Clemson will be determined by the Office of Community and Ethical Standards. CLEMSON, S.C. —

Mitch McGary helped lead the Wolverines to the NCAA title game in 2013 but missed most of this past season with a back injury. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images) Michigan forward Mitch McGary declared for the NBA draft on Friday while facing a year-long suspension after a positive drug test during the NCAA tournament, the player and school announced. McGary, a 6-foot-10 forward who starred during the Wolverines' run to the 2013 national title game, was a preseason All-America last season. But he battled through a back injury and played only eight games before undergoing season-ending surgery in January. He evidently tested positive for marijuana use while Michigan played in the Midwest Regional semifinals and finals in Indianapolis in March. Yahoo! Sports initially reported McGary's positive test, possible suspension and declaration for the draft Friday. "My family and I want to thank everyone for giving us privacy and the time to make this decision," McGary said in a statement released by the school. "As you know, it was important for us to weigh all the factors that go into something like this. With that being said, I am ready to move on to the next stage in my life and enter the NBA Draft. "Being a part of a program that values integrity, it is important to let everyone know of a poor decision I recently made. I tested positive for marijuana during the NCAA Tournament. We were notified of that result after the Final Four. I regret thoroughly disappointing my family, coaches and administration. Despite all of this they have been understanding and helpful over the last couple of weeks." Michigan now has lost McGary, guard Nik Stauskas and forward Glenn Robinson III — all possible first-round picks — to the NBA draft. "Mitch has had a tremendous impact on our program from the moment he committed to us," Wolverines coach John Beilein said in a statement. "He has injected an enthusiasm that cannot be matched. This is why he is loved by the coaching staff, his teammates and Wolverine fans. The progress he has made on and off the court has been outstanding. His willingness to face a personal issue head on and his positive work ethic during his recent injury have helped him to grow in many ways. We know that he will put all of his energy and effort toward achieving his goals. We will continue to assist and support Mitch as he pursues a career in the NBA."