By next fall local institutions: Plymouth State, Keene State, and UNH will be enforcing statute 21 U.S. Code Section 860 to the fullest extent.
Summed up the law states that any possession, distribution, intent to distribute, or manufacturing of controlled substances within a 1,000-foot radius of an educational institution requires a minimum of a one-year sentence in federal prison. The only exception to this law is if a person is found carrying less than five grams of marijuana on them.
Those convicted of distribution or intent to distribute will almost always be guaranteed a spot in prison. Hefty fines may also accompany imprisonment under this law.
” I think it’s a little harsh, I thought they just expelled people faced with drug charges…people shouldn’t be put in prison for marijuana. Sure it’s a drug but I think it’s a lot less damaging than alcohol is,” stated PSU student Liam Spillane.
Federal Attorney Tim Colontuno, who asked for their support in enforcing these penalties as much as possible, contacted Plymouth’s University police. “We were asked to partner in this and I feel it will be very positive,” stated University Police Chief John Clark.
Plans to push this statute are still in progress. The University Police department has been working closely with the NH Drug Force and other similar organizations in order to continue implementing the process. University police will be investigating any cases that they feel meet federal levels.
According to Chief Clark there is no track record, thus far, at Plymouth State of this law being put into action or affecting students. “We want to set the tone that we are not going to tolerate drug activity,” added Chief Clark.
In New Hampshire there are currently no laws that apply specifically to university and college students, only secondary education. “Sure, this whole thing is good, but I think a year in prison is a little much, and maybe I’m just naïve-but I don’t think that drug use is that big of a threat here to make an issue out of it,” stated PSU junior Matt Duguay.
“My main concern is that students are fully educated on this, the best protection (in my opinion) against getting into trouble is knowledge. I want to be sure that we fully educate students because this is serious,” stated Dick Hage, Vice President of Student Affairs.
According to Chief Clark, the Campus Police will collectively begin to educate students this fall on the statute. “95 percent of students here are good kids, but there are those students who step out on that rail…and it’s dangerous,” stated Chief Clark.