Focus on buyers is key to curbing drug sales

To the Editor: Because New Jersey is a wealthy state, money flows from it to other areas via the sale of illegal controlled substances. Since most of the processes involved take place in other countries and jurisdictions, the state must rely on others for control. We are helpless while business goes on until the problem crosses our borders. Gangs and organized crime in N.J. provide the environment necessary to complete final processing - packaging-distribution-marketing and sales in the state. Despite the best efforts of the criminal justice system, these two groups continue to prosper from income derived from controlled substances. At the point of sale the product becomes money. Only the buyer and seller play a role. The funds are rapidly moved out of the state through financial firms or intermediaries, “front” businesses, “send money home” scams and general laundering. As a result, the gangs and organized crime are bolstered, our population is injured and our money is gone. As the money makes its return trip, it is guided by ruthless, well-connected people with deep pockets. They use their wealth to bribe, extort and kill, if necessary. In 1992 alone, they realized one billion dollars, tax free, in N.J. The point of sale is of note because that is where the product is converted into cash and only the buyer and seller are involved. If the monies can be substantially reduced, the entire process will be reduced over time. Because the buyer controls the money and the seller is often able to elude prosecution, the focus should be on the buyer. The buyer is unique in that he/she is not controlled or constrained by the “industry,” but instead represents a customer base that can be discouraged, counseled and otherwise prevented from supplying the necessary funds. The power of the state to authorize the granting of licenses within its borders is under-utilized. The purpose of a license is to guard the public where special hazard exists. Using a controlled substance undermines the effectiveness of the licensing. It is not unreasonable to require that a person seeking a privilege demonstrate their fitness, since they are potentially putting the public in harm’s way. Licenses to practice many professions are issued because a higher level of education, skill and focus is required. A person seeking some commercial drivers licenses in N.J. are already now required to submit a urine sample. A bill proposed to the state legislature demonstrates how uniform application procedures, along with brief suspensions and shortened renewal periods for offenders, can create an environment that provides more protection to state residents and discourages the purchase of controlled substances. Since return of the license requires only that the person be clean, there is an incentive to stop or seek help. Shortened renewal terms for a two-year period for offenders helps insure continued support. This would apply to all operators and professional licenses in the state and, therefore, singles out no group. There is no punitive aspect to the bill: The objective is to improve not to punish. Reducing substance abuse problems requires the utilization of many. By setting a higher standard for licensing, we would achieve huge safety, financial and health benefits. This could have a pronounced effect. Stephen J. Broderick Sparta