The increase in drug busts comes at a complex time for college campuses. Marijuana use is on the rise among college students nationwide as some states have legalized recreational use of weed and others, including New Jersey, are debating legalization. But marijuana use remains illegal in New Jersey.
Meanwhile, the opioid crisis continues to impact the state. A record-setting 3,163 people died of drug overdoses in New Jersey in 2018.
The campus crime reports do not specify what type of drugs were involved in each incident.
But the statistics show the number of drug busts varies greatly on New Jersey campuses with some schools reporting hundreds a year, while other large schools reported 10 or less. The numbers include all areas on campus and adjacent bordering streets, which may include areas with fraternity houses and off-campus bars.