Mansfield awarded grant to combat illegal drug activity

COLUMBUS — Forty-two local law enforcement agencies in Ohio, including Mansfield, have been awarded $3 million in funding to help their drug task forces enforce the state’s drug laws and combat illegal drug activity. Mansfield will receive a $136,875.

Grants from the 2024 Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Fund will support drug task forces that impact 36 counties on issues of drug trafficking, pharmaceutical diversion and other organized criminal activity associated with the drug trade. The program, which is administered through the Office of Criminal Justice Services, is also intended to help local agencies enhance the safety of Ohioans through multi-jurisdictional task forces.

“Local drug task force commanders know their area’s drug trade inside and out,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “Providing this funding ensures more drugs will be taken off the street and more drug traffickers will be put behind bars."

Funds can be used by agencies to investigate drug trafficking organizations and disrupt the drug supply through intelligence gathering, information sharing and multi-agency coordination. Grants can also be used to support local work to help drug overdose victims and their families through education, support and treatment options.

The Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Fund is part of the Drug Interdiction, Disruption and Reduction Plan that is funded through Ohio's operating budget.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Mansfield awarded grant to combat illegal drug activity