Mike DeWine announced $3 million in funding for 44 local law enforcement agencies to help their drug task forces enforce the state’s drug laws and combat illegal drug activity.

Locally the awards are:

•   Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, $102,129.87

•   Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office, $93,735.36

•   Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office, $78,998.33

Grants from the 2023 Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Fund will support drug task forces that impact 42 counties on issues of drug trafficking, pharmaceutical diversion, and other organized criminal activity associated with the drug trade, the governor’s office stated.

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.

“No one knows better than local law enforcement the effects that drugs have on their own communities,” said DeWine. “This funding will support our local authorities as they work to take drugs off the streets.”

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.