To combat the opioid epidemic plaguing Northeast Ohio, the Department of Justice has announced a new program that will seek the prosecution of drug cases involving the distribution of fentanyl in Lorain County.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, authorities will prosecute "every readily provable case," regardless of the quantity, which involves fentanyl, fentanyl analogues and other synthetic opioids. Lorain County is part of a wholesale distribution network of international and domestic suppliers. Lorain County was one of 10 other districts across the country that collectively could put a dent in opioid trafficking.
The program is a combined effort with the U.S. Attorney's Office, Lorain County Prosecutor's Office, Elyria Police Department, Lorain Police Department, Lorain County Sheriff's Office, as well as the local offices of the DEA and FBI.
“These drugs have killed thousands of our friends and neighbors and caused pain and heartbreak to their families,” United States Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This initiative will allow us to work in a collaborative, targeted way on the enforcement side to reduce the drug supply while continuing to partner with others in our community to help drive down demand.”
Just last month, a large-scale drug bust resulted in the arrests of 25 people in Elyria. The drugs included fentanyl, carfentanil, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and fentanyl analogues pressed to look like Percocet.
RELATED: Feds bust 25 people for conspiring to traffic various drugs in Elyria.
The 9-month-long investigation started when neighbors tipped off Elyria police.
“We are grateful for the excellent working relationship between all the Lorain County law enforcement agencies and our federal partners. We will continue working together to attack the illegal drug trade throughout Lorain County,” Elyria Police Chief Duane Whitely said.
