Letter: Prosecutor Should Overlook Summer Shore Recreational Drug Use To Combat Heroin Distribution

The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:

Dear Editor,

As we approach another summer season on the Jersey Shore, many residents and visitors are going to be bringing commonly enjoyed substances such as cannabis, cocaine and MDMA with them to enhance those great summer nights.

But our current drug laws and police state mentality make tourism difficult and punish both consumers and local residents who supply these social tonics to other residents and tourists, supporting the local economy.

New Jerseyans should have a right to smoke a joint, pop a molly or do a line when they go down the shore. None of these activities are any worse than alcohol consumption, and our draconian drug laws disproportionately impact the future career opportunities of youth.

To encourage tourism in Seaside Heights, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato should suspend enforcement of laws against cannabis and club drug possession county-wide, while reallocating all drug enforcement resources to combat heroin distribution.


Eric Hafner
Toms River