Campus Files: "The Party Never Ends" – A Detailed Summary

Released on March 19, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Party Never Ends," Campus Files, hosted by Margo Gray and produced by Audacy, delves deep into the hidden underbelly of fraternity life at the College of Charleston. This episode uncovers a multilayered drug operation orchestrated by fraternity members, exploring its origins, execution, and the broader cultural implications within American Greek life.

The Allure of Endless Parties

The episode opens with Max Marshall discussing the pervasive fraternity culture, epitomized by the belief that "the party never ends" (00:38). This ethos persists regardless of the consequences—arrests, tragedies, or personal losses. Marshall remarks, “No matter who gets arrested, no matter who dies, no matter what happens, there will be a party the next weekend.”

The Surge of Xanax in College Campuses

Max Marshall, an investigative journalist with a history of reporting for esteemed publications like The New York Times and Esquire, shifts focus to the rampant use of Xanax among college students. Initially conceived as an anti-anxiety medication, Xanax has evolved into a popular recreational drug among the younger generation.

Marshall notes, “It's an anti-anxiety tranquilizer designed for panic attacks... but it had this huge demand as a party drug” (02:12). The pill's accessibility and potent effects have made it a staple at fraternity parties, often mixed with alcohol to amplify intoxication levels.

Tracing the Origin: The Dark Web Connection

The investigation begins with Marshall's curiosity about the illicit sources of Xanax on campuses. Contrary to legitimate pharmaceutical distribution, much of the Xanax encountered lacked proper labeling and appeared suspiciously counterfeit.

Marshall elaborates, “When I was in college, a lot of the Xanax that I saw wasn't coming from Pfizer, wasn't coming from pharmacies” (03:22). His research leads him to discover that the Xanax supply is largely fueled by the Dark Web—a clandestine online marketplace facilitating the illegal trade of drugs.

Through the Dark Web, members of fraternities at the College of Charleston ordered alprazolam powder from laboratories in Southern China. This illicit powder was then smuggled into the United States hidden within innocuous items like printer cartridges and Skittles bags (07:08).

Operational Mechanics: From Powder to Pill

The transformation of raw alprazolam into marketable Xanax pills took place in secluded beach houses near Charleston. Utilizing industrial pill presses acquired via the Dark Web, fraternity members mass-produced Xanax pills, occasionally varying their potency. This process was carried out with extreme caution, as Marshall describes, “[They] would wear hazmat suits because these machines kick up so much alprazolam dust” (08:33).

These pills were then distributed across various fraternities not only within Charleston but also in other southeastern institutions like Ole Miss, Duke, UNC, and the University of Georgia. The fraternity network provided a robust and centralized distribution system, facilitating bulk sales and wide-reaching distribution (09:19).

Mountain Weekend 2012: A Glimpse into Fraternity Invincibility

A pivotal moment in the investigation is the recounting of Mountain Weekend 2012, an extravagant and law-defying party hosted by Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE). Sources describe a scene of rampant drug use, property destruction, and audacious confrontations with authorities.

One source detailed, “They doused a football in chemicals, lit it on fire, and tossed it in the park ranger's direction” (13:09). Despite the chaos, the fraternity members faced minimal repercussions, underscoring their perceived invincibility and the protection afforded by their affluent backgrounds and influential connections.

Marshall reflects, “When you start to break shit and you start to burn things... it takes money to get away with it” (15:16). This incident exemplifies the culture where breaking the law becomes a status symbol, signaling wealth and power within the fraternity hierarchy.

The 2016 Drug Bust: Unraveling the Operation

The illicit fraternity drug network began to unravel following the tragic murder of Patrick Moffley on March 4, 2016. Patrick, a College of Charleston student, was fatally shot by individuals associated with the fraternity-run drug operation over a failed robbery attempt targeting his Xanax supply.

The subsequent investigation revealed the depth of the drug operation, involving Over 43,000 Xanax pills, synthetic marijuana, and extensive cocaine quantities (20:14). This bust marked one of Charleston's largest drug seizures, leading to the arrest of several fraternity members. However, only one individual, Mikey Schmidt, faced imprisonment, while others received suspended sentences in exchange for cooperation (23:13).

The Decline and Resurgence of Greek Life

Following the drug bust, there was a nationwide reckoning with Greek life. Many institutions considered abolishing fraternities due to their toxic cultures and associations with criminal activities. However, by November 2020, key fraternities like Kappa Alpha Order returned to the College of Charleston, signaling a resurgence despite previous controversies.

Marshall observes, “These guys all had pretty exceptional South Carolina criminal defense lawyers... they still have all of the same material power they always have” (23:25). This resilience highlights the entrenched power and influence fraternities wield, allowing them to maintain their presence and prestige even amidst legal challenges.

Historical Negligence and Prior Tragedies

Further investigation revealed that prior to Patrick's murder, Kappa Alpha had already experienced significant losses due to drug-related incidents, with three members dying within six months in 2012. Shockingly, these deaths were barely acknowledged, and no investigations were initiated by the College of Charleston, reflecting a systemic failure to address the escalating drug problem within Greek life.

Marshall poignantly states, “...the tragedy of those three deaths is also compounded by the fact that they were a chance to really have some sort of reckoning with a culture that was spiraling a little out of control” (25:21).

Conclusion

"The Party Never Ends" offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate and often concealed drug operations within fraternity life at the College of Charleston. Through meticulous investigative journalism, Max Marshall sheds light on the mechanisms that enable such illicit activities to flourish, the cultural imperatives that sustain them, and the substantial barriers to accountability. This episode serves as a critical examination of the enduring mythos surrounding Greek life, challenging listeners to reconsider the true cost of the seemingly endless parties it champions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Max Marshall (00:38): “Something that I think is pretty true of fraternity culture is the party never ends.”

• Max Marshall (04:52): “I think it was just sort of this perfect storm of like there was so much money to be made and it seemed like there was so little risk.”

• Max Marshall (11:09): “Who is going to open a Skittles bag expecting to find a bunch of drugs in there?”

• Max Marshall (15:16): “When you start to break shit and you start to burn things... it takes money to get away with it.”

• Max Marshall (23:13): “These other guys were mostly dealing in Xanax, and Mikey was charged with dealing cocaine... very connected... they can sort of make magic happen sometimes.”

About Campus Files

Campus Files explores the often-hidden truths behind American college campuses, from admissions scandals to hazing rituals. Each episode provides an unofficial tour, unveiling stories that contrast sharply with the idealized image of college life. For more information or to submit story ideas, listeners can reach out via email at campusfilespod@gmail.com‬.