University of Massachusetts police came upon a drug lab inside a student's dormitory while executing a search warrant Tuesday night, according to Deputy Chief Patrick Archbald.
Torey S. Littlefield, 20, of 375 Old Post Road in Worthington, was arrested at approximately 10:22 p.m. on charges of possession and manufacturing a Class B drug, cocaine. In addition, the drugs ketamine and peyote were allegedly seized from his dorm room. Littlefield could face additional charges of possession and manufacturing Class C drugs once testing of the substances is complete, which could take several weeks.
Using information from an informant, police conducted a lengthy investigation into the reported use and manufacturing of illegal drugs in the Lewis dormitory in the Northeast Residential Area, where Littlefield has been residing while he attends classes at UMass, Archbald said.
UMPD also worked with members of the Massachusetts State Police Narcotics Unit attached to the Northwestern District Attorney's Office, as well as the Drug Enforcement Agency during its investigation. In addition to the drugs, officers also seized various drug processing, manufacturing and refining equipment that includes funnels, beakers, strainers, heating fuel and drying equipment.
Police did not disclose the amount of each drug that was confiscated. Littlefield is not charged with being a dealer.
Peyote is a hallucinogenic drug that comes from a small, spineless cactus and has psychedelic effects. One of its principal ingredients is mescaline.
Ketamine is a synthetic drug used as an animal tranquilizer, and goes by the street name "Special K." According to a search on the official United States Drug Enforcement Administration Web site, ketamine has become popular among teens and young adults "at dance clubs and 'raves.'"
The drug comes in a clear liquid, or white or off-white powder, and high doses often produce a dissociative, "out-of-body experience" effect, sometimes called a "K-Hole." It is also sometimes used as a "rape drug," according to the DEA Web site. Use of the drug can also cause delirium, amnesia, depression, and long-term memory difficulties.
Ketamine is additionally considered hazardous, as it contains explosive properties.
Littlefield defaulted his appearance at Eastern Hampshire District Court in Hadley this morning, but was present this afternoon. He received a continuation until June 13 for a pretrial hearing.
Archbald issued a statement yesterday afternoon regarding the arrest.
"More informants are being seen cooperating with the police department, which helps us," Archbald said. "Investigations start with help from the community.
"We are not surprised to find cocaine on campus, but it is alarming that a student has been using University property to manufacture synthetic drugs in a laboratory that he shared with other students. He is putting everyone in the building in harm's way."
This is the second drug bust involving cocaine in as many weeks at UMass. On May 3, four students were arrested in Coolidge dormitory in the Southwest Residential Area as part of a nine-month investigation into the trafficking of cocaine. The students are set to appear in court in June.
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