"The whole incident was quite upsetting to the House," Stubbs said, "and remains that way to some extent."

Blockmates and friends of David and Blankenship have repeatedly refused to comment on the situation.

The incident has sparked fear among students, who cite the Currier drug bust as only one in a string of crackdowns on illicit alcohol and drug use on campus this year.

But administrators deny this charge, saying that neither policy nor enforcement has changed, even under the new leadership of no-nonsense Dean of the College Harry R. Lewis '68.

"This is not a witch hunt. There was no attempt by HUPD to allege widespread distribution," Riley said. "This was a single investigation."

But the investigation did yield more than just the arrests of David and Blankenship. Administrative action is pending against a number of involved students, Riley said.

Because the investigation was conducted by HUPD, rather than by the Cambridge Police Department or other outside parties, students implicated in illegal action can stay out of the courts. By handling the investigation internally, Riley said, HUPD was able to limit student arrests.

The Aftermath

David's lawyer, Eliot Weinstein, says he plans to contest the legality of the warrant.

According to Weinstein, there was "not sufficient showing of probable cause to search Mr. David's room."

"It's my view that Harvard police illegally searched David's room," he said.

Riley said he was unsurprised by such accusations, but maintained that HUPD had acted appropriately.

Sources say David and Blankenship have been seen around campus, despite their questionable standing with the University.

Approximately two weeks ago, Harvard police responded to a 209A at Currier House, a violation of a restraining order, and told the subject that he was not permitted on the property without the permission of the senior tutor. The name of the subject was not cited.

Students said they are concerned about the future of David and Blankenship, both of whom are well-liked and well-known across campus, adding that the seniors deserve sympathy rather than condemnation.

Many say they believe the two are martyrs for a larger community and say they are shocked at the potential gravity of the punishment.

The most serious penalties facing Blankenship and David result from charges of intent to distribute drugs within 1,000 feet of a school or park.

If convicted on those charges, Blankenship and David will be sentenced to jail for a mandatory minimum of two years for each count, with no chance of reduction or suspension of the sentence until two years are served.

--Laura C. Semerjian contributed to the reporting of this story.