Rutgers reports second highest number of drug arrests in New Jersey

A list of New Jersey colleges revealed that Rutgers University—New Brunswick had the second-highest number of drug arrests and referrals in the state, according to NJ Advance Media.

Throughout all colleges in the state, statistics showed that the number of drug busts were increasing. In 2017, there were 1,746 drug arrests and referrals for campus discipline in four-year college campuses, according to an NJ Advance Media review of the latest crime reports from 27 schools. Drug referrals are when a student is directed to a treatment center or doctor for drug abuse.

Compared to last year, that is a 6.5-percent increase and compared to the last two years, that is a 13-percent increase. Of the incidents that occurred this year, 792 of the drug-related arrests were on or near college campuses and 954 students were further referred to campus discipline committees for violating drug-related school rules, according to the NJ Advance Media reports.

While marijuana use is increasing nationally and other states have already legalized the recreational use of it, marijuana use is still illegal in New Jersey. Incidents related to alcohol and opioid use have also increased on New Jersey campuses. According to the article, 3,163 people died of drug overdoses last year, which is a record high.

On the list, Rutgers—Newark reported a total of 35 drug-related incidents in 2017, placing 13th of the 27 schools investigated. Rutgers—Camden had the 11th-highest number of drug arrests and referrals, with a total of 42. 

Rutgers—New Brunswick, on the other hand, reported a total of 337 drug-related incidents, with 271 drug arrests and 66 referrals for discipline in 2017. This is an increase from 2016, when the University had 172 drug arrests and 129 referrals for discipline.