NJ Town's Drug Abuse Numbers Emphasized By Misuse Of Funding: Report

GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NJ — Washington Township led Gloucester County in 2025 in cases of heroin abuse while state funding to fight drug problems was misused by local leaders, according to NJ Advance Media.

Funds from the big pharmaceutical companies as part of an opioid epidemic settlement set aside for the municipality amounted to $170,446.70.

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While it was meant to be used on youth drug education efforts in 2024 and 2025, the total matched exactly with receipts for two Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs and 15 Flock surveillance devices.

In 2025, Washington Township also led the county with 95 cases of reported heroin abuse, a level good for 20 higher than the next two placements (Monroe Township, Deptford both tied at 75).

"The current administration is committed to transparency, and it will continue to review all budgeting priorities, including the best ways to help combat the opioid crisis and support our law enforcement community in their good work," said Township Solicitor Matthew Thomas Rooney as he directed the blame for reports of mishandled funds towards the previous administration.

On Sept. 23, the Washington Township Council approved Resolutions R224-2026 through R233-2026, which included a resolution to bring on a consultant for future opioid settlement spending.

Washington Township joins a lengthy list of towns and cities across New Jersey named in connection with misuse of these such funds.

In January, the town of Irvington became one of the more recent municipalities to fire back at similar claims.

In a 2025 report from the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller, Irvington was said to have wasted more than $600,000 for fighting the epidemic on two "awareness concerts." Read More: Irvington Pushes Back Against Scathing 'Opioid' Report From NJ Comptroller

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