University of Florida Students and Employee Involved in Multi-Million Dollar Drug and Toxin Smuggling Scheme to China

President of the University of Florida's Chinese Students and Scholars Association, Nongnong 'Leticia' Zheng, pictured, has been implicated in an illegal, multi-million dollar scheme that saw samples of dangerous drugs and toxins illicitly shipped to China over a period of seven years

A University of Florida (UF) research employee and several students have been implicated in a sophisticated, multi-million dollar smuggling scheme involving dangerous drugs and toxins sent illicitly to China over seven years. The Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation revealed that thousands of biochemical samples were illegally procured, delivered to a campus laboratory, and then shipped overseas.

The group openly protested a Florida law signed by Gov. Ron De Santis last year that limits universities from recruiting students and faculty from China — and bans students from working in academic labs without permission. Pictured, UofF Gainesville campus entrance

Nongnong 'Leticia' Zheng, president of UF's Chinese Students and Scholars Association, is among the students identified. She confirmed receiving a grand jury investigation notification last year and being assigned a federal public defender. Zheng reported threats of imprisonment or deportation from government agents and claimed to be unaware of the illegal nature of her actions, stating she was deceived by the scheme's organizers.

Zheng confirmed that a federal prosecutor notified her last year in writing she was the target of a grand jury investigation, and the DOJ was preparing to seek criminal charges against her

Court records show that the smuggled materials included purified cholera and pertussis toxins, and small amounts of highly regulated drugs such as fentanyl, morphine, and cocaine. These substances, illegal to export to China, were allegedly used for scientific or medical calibration purposes.

The group openly protested a Florida law signed by Gov. Ron De Santis last year that limits universities from recruiting students and faculty from China — and bans employing such students from working in academic labs without special permission

Prosecutors described the scheme's ringleader, Pen 'Ben' Yu of Gibsonton, Florida, who has already pleaded guilty and faces significant penalties. He orchestrated the operation, using UF email addresses to place fraudulent orders and employing various students, including Zheng, to facilitate the purchases.

Zheng, who said she lived most of her life in China, said she was deceived and victimized by the scheme's organizers, who she said solicited help finding paid interns from the Chinese student organization

The scandal comes amidst heightened tensions and restrictive measures between the U.S. and China. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed a law limiting the recruitment of Chinese students and faculty, sparking protests from organizations like Zheng's. This case is expected to intensify debates over national security and international student policies.

Zheng said she hopes to be allowed to finish her degree and said she doesn't understand how the university didn't have policies in place to protect her

The university has pledged cooperation with federal authorities, indicating administrative actions will follow the DOJ's criminal proceedings. The scheme's exposure has led to calls for tighter controls and vigilance against misuse of academic institutions for illegal activities.

Former Republican Sen. Ben Sasse who took over as the university's president in February 2022, was a leading China hawk on Capitol Hill who once described the threat from Beijing as the 'defining national-security challenge of our age'