COLUMBUS, Ohio — Drug interdiction task forces operating under the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission seized more than $75 million in illegal drugs, 440 firearms and $4.1 million in cash in 2025, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced.

“Our task forces disrupt traffickers by intercepting millions of dollars’ worth of narcotics each year – making our communities that much safer,” Yost said. “I’m grateful for our law enforcement partners at every level of government who dedicate their time and talent to support our task forces.”

The OOCIC task forces, made up of local, state and federal agencies, investigate drug trafficking operations across the state and seize narcotics, weapons and cash before they reach Ohio communities.

“The success of these task forces demonstrates the power of collaboration between federal, state and local law enforcement to investigate, disrupt and dismantle dangerous criminal organizations,” said Matthew Stentz, acting special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations Detroit. “HSI is proud to stand alongside our partners in Ohio to keep our communities safe by targeting the networks that traffic illegal drugs, firearms and illicit proceeds. Together, we are making a significant impact in protecting Ohio families from the devastating effects of narcotics trafficking.”

Several of the task forces receive funding through RecoveryOhio and the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services.

“In Ohio, we direct significant resources toward intercepting illegal drugs before traffickers can take advantage of those suffering from substance use disorders,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “I applaud OOCIC’s major drug interdiction task forces on another successful year of promoting recovery by keeping a significant amount of drugs off the streets and holding accountable the individuals who wrongly thought they could get away with trafficking drugs in Ohio.”

Since 2019, OOCIC task forces have seized 1,240 pounds of fentanyl, 3,914 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 300,000 prescription pills, 2,774 firearms and more than $70 million in currency. The total value of drugs seized during that period exceeds $471 million, according to Yost’s office.

Notable 2025 seizures

— Miami Valley Major Drug Interdiction Task Force: In January, agents arrested a person carrying a suitcase with 10 kilograms of cocaine.

— ONSET Task Force: Agents seized more than $100,000 from a person attempting to smuggle cash to the Middle East in January. A February investigation led to the seizure of more than 20 kilograms of cocaine from two New York residents. In May, 17 search warrants resulted in the seizure of $358,803, 500 pounds of narcotics, 115 grams of cocaine, a pound of psilocybin mushrooms, 11 firearms, two vehicles and a boat.

— Licking, Guernsey and Muskingum County Task Force: Agents seized more than 3 pounds of methamphetamine in February, 6 pounds of meth and 11 firearms in April, and a pound of meth and 5 pounds of cocaine in June.

— Central Ohio Major Drug Interdiction Task Force: A February traffic stop led to the seizure of 20 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than $700,000. In April, agents seized 242 pounds of marijuana, 6 pounds of methamphetamine, nine handguns and more than $60,000.

— Hamilton County Task Force: In March, the Regional Narcotics Unit seized 45 pounds of narcotics, including cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana.

— Belmont, Harrison and Jefferson County Task Force: A March traffic stop on Interstate 70 led to the seizure of 115 grams of cocaine, cash, two firearms and a drone suspected of being used to smuggle drugs into a prison.

— Northwest Ohio Task Force: Two investigations in May resulted in the seizure of more than $38,000 in cash, narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

— Mahoning County Task Force: In April, agents executed search warrants at three Youngstown‑area residences, seizing 14 kilograms of cocaine, two firearms, a vehicle with a hidden compartment and about $30,000.