COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that nearly three dozen local drug task forces in Ohio are receiving state support for their work to disrupt the drug trade and promote substance use awareness, prevention, and recovery.
More than $2.1 million in grants from Governor DeWine’s RecoveryOhio Law Enforcement Fund will be awarded to 35 existing drug task forces to help officers identify high-level drug traffickers, dismantle large drug trafficking organizations, interrupt the flow of money and drugs from international cartels, and prevent the sale of illegal narcotics.
“Drug task forces across the state have stepped up in a big way to support individuals who are recovering from substance use disorder and to protect our communities from an influx of illegal drugs," said Governor DeWine. "This funding will help our local law enforcement agencies continue this vital work."
Grant funding will be used to support the mission of Governor DeWine's RecoveryOhio initiative, which aims to increase substance use and mental health awareness, implement age-appropriate prevention education in schools, connect those who need help with treatment, and promote recovery.
Governor DeWine worked in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly to secure funding for these grants in the operating budget. The program is administered by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services.