Drugs Not Just a Hopatcong Problem, Cops Say

Hopatcong officials are planning to hold a press conference Thursday morning to address public concern over drugs in town, but local police are urging residents not to consider Hopatcong a "drug town" and to consider the good being done getting drugs off the street.

Hopatcong Police Lt. Thomas Kmetz posted a statement on the department's Facebook page addressing commenters' concerns over recent drug arrests in town.

"These detectives go above and beyond to get the job done and they do it right. That is GOOD," he said. "Drugs are in every town not just Hopatcong. We chose to actively pursue drug addicts for possession and drug dealers for dealing. And yes that means marijuana too."

Kmetz said the department has spent resources and money, including on a K-9 officer, to help rid the local streets of drugs.

"Please do not look at Hopatcong as having a huge 'drug problem.' Look at Hopatcong as doing something about a problem that every town in America has," he said.

The press conference is expected to take place Thursday morning at Hopatcong Borough Hall.