NEWS

UNC police make felony arrest for possession of controlled substance

CHAPEL HILL -- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill police today (Sept. 20) said they had arrested an 18-year-old student who faces a felony charge on possession of a controlled substance.

Arrested late Thursday (Sept. 19) was Justin Ryncavage, 18, of 239 Craige North residence hall, said UNC Police Chief Derek Poarch.

Ryncavage, a freshman, was arrested in his residence hall room and is charged with one count of possession of a precursor chemical. He was found in possession of gamma-butyrolactone, also known as GBL. This substance, an industrial chemical, has been acknowledged as the main ingredient in the illegal manufacture of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, a central nervous system depressant banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. GHB, as it is otherwise known, has been linked to sexual assaults, as it induces feelings of intoxication or euphoria, as well as memory problems.

Ryncavage was released after being placed under a $5,000 unsecured bond and appeared in Orange County District Court today in Hillsborough.

Poarch said UNC police had worked closely with U.S. Postal Service officials in making the arrest.

"We do want to send the clear message that the presence of these substances, linked to so many terrible incidents involving young people, will not be tolerated at Carolina," said Dr. Dean Bresciani, interim vice chancellor for student affairs.

Manufacture, sale or delivery or possession of illegal substances is a violation of the UNC Honor Code and subject to investigation by the Student Attorney General.

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UNC Student Affairs contact: Dr. Dean Bresciani, (919) 966-4045