7:30 p.m. update: Earlier today, NBC Washington has additional details about the chemicals found in Harbin 926. While searching the room, the officers discovered “a pickle jar filled with a red substance, six mason jars containing a clear substance, and a turkey baster” as well as “a black suitcase [that] emanated strong odors.”

Original post: As reported earlier TBD, the Hoya and DCist, the Metropolitan Police Department charged two Georgetown freshmen and a freshman at the University of Richmond for manufacturing a controlled substance.

Charles Smith, John Romano, and John Perrone were held for questioning on Saturday after University Public Safety officers investigated a strange odor on the ninth floor of Harbin Hall. The officers discovered their so-called “drug lab” shortly after 5 a.m., which prompted an early-morning, building-wide evacuation. The three men were later arrested and removed from campus.

Early reports claimed that they were attempting to produce methamphetamine, however, Drug Enforcement Administration officials later confirmed that the drug was dimethyltryptamine, commonly called DMT.

DMT, a Schedule I drug, is typically consumed for its hallucinogenic properties, according to the DEA Office of Diversion Control. Due to the short hallucinogenic effects associated with the drug, consuming DMT is also known as “the businessman’s high.”

According to the University’s Student Code of Conduct, a student who “intentionally manufacture[s] counterfeit or controlled substance” can be charged with a Category C violation—”the most serious level of infraction.” Category C violations “likely” result in disciplinary suspension or expulsion.

Smith, Romano, and Perrone will be arraigned in court on Monday morning, according to TBD.

2:00 p.m. update: Olson forwarded the email to all Georgetown students.

Original post: In an email sent at 1:30 p.m., Vice President for Student Affairs Todd Olson updated Harbin Hall residents about this morning’s evacuation and the methamphetamine lab discovered on the ninth floor.

“Thank you for your patience as we experience an unexpected disruption in your residence hall today,” Olson wrote in the email. “Local law enforcement authorities remain in charge of the situation and are informing our actions. We are now awaiting the arrival of a team from the Drug Enforcement Agency, which could include hazardous materials experts, to further address the situation.”

Olson added that students will not be allowed to re-enter the dormitory until the “all clear sign” is given. The University plans to provide updates to the entire Georgetown community later today.

“We recognize that this is causing inconveniences and have made arrangements for you to access Lauinger Library and Leo’s without your GOCard if needed.”

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