On August 17th & 18th, 2022, the METRICH Enforcement Unit with assistance from the Mansfield Police Department, Richland County Sheriff Department, Ontario Police Department, Bellville Police Department, Shelby Police Department, Butler Police Department & the Ohio State Highway Patrol partnered with the Richland County Prosecutors office, Richland County Courts system, Ohio Department of Public Safety, Catalyst Life Services, Richland County Public Health, Avita Ontario Hospital, Ohio Health Hospital, Richland County Mental Health & Recovery, Recovery Ohio, Ohio Narcotic Intelligence Center (ONIC) and Community Action for Capable Youth (CACY).
The goal of this initiative was to saturate areas within Richland County with Law Enforcement to interdict criminal activity and enhance safety. To focus on high volume traffic stops in areas of reported drug activity while having resources readily available to assist if someone is encountered who is suffering from substance use disorder.
METRICH Lt. Steve Blust advised that the operation was a success and thanked the area Law Enforcement agencies that participated and all the other collaborating agencies that assisted.
METRICH Lt. Steve Blust stated the collaboration between the Richland County law enforcement agencies and the METRICH Enforcement Unit continues to have a positive impact on removing illegal drugs coming into the Mansfield, Richland County communities, while getting the proper help to those in need.