Baltimore to Fine out-of-town buyers of drugs

The Baltimore Sun reports:

Suburban and out-of-state residents who come to Baltimore to buy drugs could be slapped with a $1,000 fine - in addition to whatever criminal penalty they might face - under legislation expected to be introduced in the City Council next week.

Arguing that the city's pervasive drug trade and crime should be dealt with regionally, City Councilman William H. Cole IV, the measure's chief sponsor, said the bill is intended to spread the financial burden of policing to out-of-town drug users.

Baltimore hasn't heard of the concept of "equal protection under the law".