JONESBORO, Ark. — Prosecutors will not move forward with a drug and firearm case against a former Arkansas State University student who was taken into federal immigration custody and deported before his first appearance in circuit court.
Aryan Ashok Chugani, 19, had been accused of selling marijuana on the A-State campus after university police reported finding marijuana packaged for distribution and a handgun inside his campus apartment.
According to prosecutors, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement took Chugani into custody at the Craighead County Courthouse before he could appear in circuit court.
Chugani was deported after his student visa was revoked following the termination of his student status by Arkansas State University, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors said they chose not to move forward with the criminal case because Chugani is no longer in the United States.
Chugani was arrested in March on charges of simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, a Class Y felony; possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with purpose to deliver, a Class D felony; and handgun possession on school property, a Class D felony.
According to a probable cause affidavit from Arkansas State University Police, officers observed Chugani on camera March 5, 2026, appearing to be a passenger in a vehicle during a traffic stop near 120 Dean Street on the university campus.
After the vehicle’s occupants were detained, officers developed probable cause to obtain a search warrant for Chugani’s campus apartment, according to the affidavit.
During the search, officers reported finding a Glock Model 21 handgun, packaging materials, digital scales and approximately 29 grams of marijuana that police said was consistent with narcotics distribution.
After being advised of his rights, Chugani allegedly admitted to selling marijuana on campus and acknowledged knowing the firearm was in his bedroom, according to the affidavit.
Special Judge Barbara Halsey initially set Chugani’s bail at $150,000 cash or surety.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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let this nigga go. ya’ll got child predators to worry about. give this nigga community service with a path to a legal dispensory license. don’t waste no one’s life over a fuckin marijuanna charge. having a gun is your constitutional right. the fuck we doin here?
I know Aryan and I really don’t think of this kid to be like this. He’s a good boy and probably got caught up with bad influence. I really hope and I ask the judge that if she has it in her hearth to please be lenient with him. Like what the previous comment said, let him do community service. He’s just too you to be put in a jail cell. I know his parents are humble and hard working. Judge, please have some mercy. I know there are still some good Judges like Judge Caprio.🙏