Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced a major investment aimed at supporting local law enforcement agencies across the state in a continued effort to reduce drug-related harm and strengthen public safety. The initiative will provide a combined total of $5 million in funding to help combat illegal drug activity while also expanding prevention and recovery efforts.
The funding comes through two key programs: the RecoveryOhio Law Enforcement Fund and the Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Fund. Together, these programs are designed to give law enforcement the tools and resources needed to address drug trafficking while also helping communities recover from the ongoing impact of substance use.
“The work of law enforcement has played a large role in the fact that unintentional drug overdoses in Ohio have decreased for three years in a row,” said Governor DeWine. “We are proud to support local efforts to hold drug traffickers accountable and support recovery from substance use disorder.”
Funding Targets Enforcement and Recovery Efforts
A significant portion of the funding will be distributed through the RecoveryOhio Law Enforcement Fund. Nearly $2 million will be awarded to 32 local law enforcement agencies across Ohio. This program was created to support the broader RecoveryOhio initiative, which focuses on raising awareness about substance use and mental health, expanding prevention efforts in schools, and connecting individuals with treatment and recovery services.
Since its launch in 2019, the program has already provided more than $15 million to agencies statewide. The funding is intended to help officers identify and target high-level drug traffickers, break apart large drug organizations, and disrupt the flow of drugs and money tied to international cartels. By focusing on these larger networks, officials aim to reduce the availability of illegal narcotics at the local level.
The program is supported through funding secured by Governor DeWine in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly. It is administered by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services within the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
In addition to enforcement, the program also supports efforts that focus on prevention and recovery. Law enforcement agencies can use the funds to engage with communities, support individuals struggling with substance use, and help connect people with the services they need.
Additional Support for Drug Task Forces
The second portion of the funding, totaling approximately $3 million, will be distributed through the Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Fund. This funding will be shared among 40 law enforcement agencies and is focused on supporting drug task forces working across the state.
Since 2019, this program has awarded more than $23 million to law enforcement agencies. The funds are used to investigate drug trafficking organizations, prevent pharmaceutical diversion, and address other types of organized criminal activity linked to drug operations.
Agencies can use these grants to improve intelligence gathering, strengthen information sharing, and enhance coordination between different law enforcement groups. These efforts are meant to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs and prevent them from reaching communities.
The funding also supports outreach efforts aimed at helping individuals affected by drug use. This includes providing education, offering support services, and connecting overdose victims and their families with treatment options.
The Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Fund is part of the state’s broader Drug Interdiction, Disruption, and Reduction Plan, which is funded through the state’s operating budget and administered by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services.
With this latest investment, state leaders are reinforcing a dual approach that focuses not only on enforcement but also on prevention and recovery. By combining these efforts, Ohio continues to work toward reducing drug-related harm and improving the well-being of communities across the state.
