COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) has now released their first strategic report related to illicit drugs in Ohio.
“Maintaining pressure on drug traffickers is crucial. They adapt as laws change, and we must continue to adapt our strategies in order to bring them to justice,” ONIC Executive Director Cynthia Peterman said in a Department of Public Safety press release. “The ONIC is committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to operationalize our strategies and enhance the safety and security of all Ohio residents.”
According to the release, 4,625 people in Ohio die a year on average from unintentional drug poisonings. That’s 27,752 people between 2017 and 2022.
They also state that, during that time, fentanyl was a factor in 77% of the deaths. They say often fentanyl was mixed with other drugs.
“Under the leadership of Governor Mike DeWine, ONIC is taking a strategic and targeted approach to reduce overdose deaths by disrupting the drug supply using accelerated intelligence and enhanced partnerships,” the release reads. “The ONIC operates intelligence units and digital forensic laboratories in four locations across the state: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. The ONIC collaborates with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to leverage the very best technologies and analysis available to detect, identify, and intercept dangerous drugs from hitting our streets.”
The report also included a map showcasing the illegal drug supply chain and how these substances make their way to Ohio.
Thanks to this collaborative work, they say unintentional overdose fatalities have decreased by 14% between 2021 and 2023.
Despite this progress, ONIC highlights the work ahead of them over the next few years.
“Analysts from ONIC believe that over the next five years, Ohio will almost certainly confront a complex, volatile, and unpredictable drug landscape,” the release reads. “Combinations of potent drugs will very likely be responsible for most drug poisoning deaths across Ohio. Drug traffickers will likely leverage technology such as encryption and cryptocurrency to conceal incriminating evidence about their illicit activities.”
The report contains other information including percantages of counterfeit tablets containing fentanyl, the cost of certain illicit substances and more.
You can take a look at the full 48-page report here:
