One of the San Diego State University students arrested in a major Drug Enforcement Administration drug sting last week is a Nevada Union graduate, the youth's brother confirmed Monday.

Thomas George Brindley, 20, was arrested May 6 as part of Operation Sudden Fall, a year-long investigation by San Diego law enforcement and the DEA, according to published reports.

Brindley graduated from Nevada Union High School in June 2006, according to graduation records.

Thomas Brindley was arraigned on drug charges Thursday and pleaded not guilty, his brother James Brindley confirmed.

James Brindley declined to elaborate, including about the details of the drug charges against his brother. He referred all questions regarding his brother's alleged involvement in SDSU drug activity to Thomas Brindley.

Thomas Brindley has posted bail and is no longer in jail, he added.

Thomas Brindley did not return phone calls Monday. His father George Brindley said his son's attorney has advised the family to refrain from commenting about the arrest.

The investigation, spurred by the cocaine overdose death of a student last year, resulted in 96 people being arrested on drug-related charges, including 75 students, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

Eighteen SDSU students were taken into custody May 6 and other related arrests have taken place during the past year, San Diego State University Police Chief John Browning told the San Diego newspaper.

Items seized in the investigation included $100,000 worth of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy pills, mushrooms, methamphetamine and illicit prescription drugs. One shotgun, three semi-automatic pistols and about $60,000 in cash also were seized, the Union-Tribune reported.

To contact Staff writer Robyn Moormeister, e-mail rmoormeister@theunion.com or call 477-4236.