CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — A major undercover drug task force operation in Ohio took down 59 individuals and recovered large amounts of drugs and stolen guns, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
The U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force, which is part of the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC), investigated drug trafficking out of southern Ohio, focusing on the trafficking of narcotics and stolen firearms.
Following the investigation, 59 people involved in major drug trafficking organizations were indicted by a grand jury.
The drug task force recovered 95 ounces of methamphetamine and 109 doses of hydrocodone, as well as cocaine, fentanyl, heroin and suboxone. Eight stolen firearms were also recovered by the task force.
A total of 163 felony counts were issued, combining for a potential maximum sentence of more than 1,000 years in prison.
The individuals arrested and charged were all apprehended in Pickaway, Ross and Fayette counties.
“These drug busts were the equivalent of organized crime rings you’d see in the movies, not only taking profits but also lives,” Yost said. “Coordinated crime requires a cooperative effort, which is why our OOCIC partnerships that allow local law enforcement to work across county lines are so successful.”
