CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – The Ohio State Highway Patrol released a statement on the joint task force sweep on May 6 and 7 in the city of Chillicothe.
The Guardian broke the story on the multi-agency coordinated operation to remove drugs and weapons from Ross County.
“The use of narcotics and other harmful illicit substances continues to devastate our community,” said Lieutenant Melanie L. Provenzano, Chillicothe Post commander. “Our mission during this initiative was to intercept these harmful substances and impaired drivers before they reached our community and caused any further tragedies.”
According to officials, during the operation, agencies made over 260 traffic stops, resulting in seven drug cases and one weapon case.
Residents across the area took to social media over the presence of a Highway Patrol helicopter seen circling the city. The Patrol’s Aviation unit, officials said, provided overhead surveillance.
“The Ross County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to providing a safe environment for residents and visitors of our county,” said Ross County Sheriff George W. Lavender, Jr. “Working in a coordinated effort with our law enforcement partners to stop senseless deaths associated with narcotics abuse and impaired driving continues to be a main focus for our deputies.”
Chillicothe Police Chief Ron Meyers said, “Officers are committed to keeping our residents and the motoring public safe in Chillicothe,” said Chillicothe Police Chief Ron Meyers. “We are proud of the work which was accomplished with the Patrol and Ross County Sheriff’s Office to remove drugs from our roadways, while also providing education and resources for treatment to those who need it most.”
Recently the Guardian reached out to Chief Meyers on the increasing presence of Columbus-based criminal activity within the city of Chillicothe. The Police Chief did not respond to our request for comment.
Residents are encouraged to report drug activity within the community to local law enforcement.