MARION—On September 13, 2023, the Marion – Metro Drug Task Force was named as the 2023 Task Force of the Year by the Ohio Narcotics Association of Regional Coordinating Officers or Ohio NARCO.
This 6-officer unit is responsible for almost 2,200 grams of heroin/fentanyl seized; 419 indictments; 145 search warrants and 236 illegally possessed guns seized in 2022. They also recently concluded a joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation that resulted in 3 kilograms of fentanyl, 2 kilograms of cocaine, 1 kilogram of methamphetamine; 15 firearms, and $25,546 being seized by investigators. Thirty-two people were arrested out of this large-scale investigation.
“I could not be more proud of the men and women who work in the MARMET Drug Task Force. They are so deserving this award and I know that their work is saving lives in Marion County. This award shows what we have known for some time, that MARMET is one of the best drug task forces in Ohio” said Marion County Sheriff Matt Bayles.
“I have seen time and time again the great work the MARMET Drug Task Force does, both detectives and support staff. I was not surprised that they were recognized by their peers as being one of the best task forces combatting drug trafficking in the entire state. I am proud of each and every detective and analyst supporting them” stated Ray Grogan, Marion County Prosecutor.
Marion Police Chief Jay McDonald said, “These detectives and all of the deputies, officers, and prosecutors who work with the MARMET Drug Task Force certainly make an #MPACT in our community. Taking this poison off of our streets could not be more important, and they do it exceptionally well. I am proud of all the work that led to this great recognition.”