COLUMBUS—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced $3 million in funding for 44 local law enforcement agencies to bolster their drug task forces and strengthen the enforcement of the state’s drug laws while combating illegal drug activity.
The grants, provided through the 2023 Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Fund, will assist drug task forces operating in 42 counties to address drug trafficking, pharmaceutical diversion, and other forms of organized criminal activity associated with the drug trade. Administered by the Office of Criminal Justice Services, this program aims to enhance public safety by facilitating collaboration among multiple jurisdictions.
Governor DeWine emphasized the importance of local law enforcement in understanding the impact of drugs on their communities. He stated, “This funding will support our local authorities as they work to take drugs off the streets.”
The allocated funds will enable agencies to intensify their efforts against drug trafficking organizations by employing intelligence gathering, information sharing, and multi-agency coordination to disrupt the drug supply. Additionally, grants can be utilized to provide assistance to drug overdose victims and their families through education, support, and treatment options.
The Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Fund forms an integral part of the Drug Interdiction, Disruption, and Reduction Plan, which is financed through Ohio’s operating budget.
These grants supplement various other initiatives launched under Governor DeWine’s leadership to combat drug trafficking and substance use disorders. Soon after taking office in 2019, Governor DeWine established the RecoveryOhio initiative through an executive order. This initiative aimed to combat the opioid epidemic by investing in the health and well-being of Ohio citizens. The RecoveryOhio Law Enforcement Fund has already disbursed millions of dollars to local drug task forces, enabling them to intercept illegal drugs and play an active role in raising awareness, preventing substance use, and aiding in recovery efforts. Furthermore, RecoveryOhio has expanded access to specialized court dockets, granting judges the flexibility to direct defendants with mental health or substance use disorders toward treatment instead of incarceration.
Governor DeWine has also created the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center to support local law enforcement agencies in intelligence-focused drug trafficking investigations. Moreover, he secured funding for the establishment of several Major Drug Interdiction Task Forces, which specifically target trans-national drug trafficking cartels.
Click HERE for a list of Law Enforcement agencies receiving the funding.