Mahoning Valley law agencies get $195K in drug enforcement grants

Law enforcement agencies across the Mahoning Valley have gotten some financial help in its efforts to combat drug trafficking.

Sheriff's offices in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull got a combined $195,000 in RecoveryOhio grants.

Broken down, Columbiana got $135,000, Trumbull got $50,000 while Mahoning got $10,000.

This money will be used to help drug task forces in each identify high-level drug traffickers, dismantle large drug trafficking organizations and interrupt the flow of money and drugs from international cartels, according to a news release from Gov. Mike DeWine's office.

“Drug task forces across the state have stepped up in a big way to support individuals who are recovering from substance use disorder and to protect our communities from an influx of illegal drugs," DeWine said. 

Overall, more than $2.1 million in these grants were announced on Friday, May 17, to 35 existing drug task forces across the state.

The goal of the RecoveryOhio initiative is to increase substance use and mental health awareness, implement age-appropriate prevention education in schools, connect those who need help with treatment, and promote recovery.