New Jersey is fast becoming the heroin capital of the United States. Drug enforcement agents and drug counselors are reporting an unprecedented spike in heroin trafficking and addiction - especially among juveniles. In fact, the rate of heroin usage among juveniles in New Jersey is nearly twice the national average.
Due to increased availability and a seeming change in culture, an astounding number of juveniles are now reporting heroin and prescription synthetics such as oxycontin and roxycodone as their drugs of choice. Historically, juveniles would begin experimenting with drugs such as marijuana and alcohol. Later, some juveniles and young adults would move on to drugs such as cocaine and other narcotics. Unfortunately, that trend is changing.
At rehabilitation centers across New Jersey, drug counselors are reporting that nearly 40% of their patients are reporting heroin as their primary addiction. This may be attributed to the increased potency of the drug on the street level. New Jersey has perhaps the most potent heroin in the United States with purity levels being reported as high as 72%. Another factor is New Jersey's role as a major shipping hub with Newark-Liberty Airport and several large ports serving as drug smuggling entry points.
If you have been arrested, charged, or convicted of possessing or selling heroin, contact a Freehold area criminal defense attorney experienced in drug cases for a free consultation.
