On April 18 th, 2024, the METRICH Enforcement Unit along with the Mansfield Police Department, Richland County Sheriff Office, Ontario Police Department, Shelby Police Department & the Ohio State Highway Patrol partnered with the Richland County Prosecutors office, Catalyst Life Services, Richland County Mental Health & Recovery & Recovery Ohio.
The goal of this initiative was to saturate areas within Richland County with Law Enforcement to interdict criminal activity and enhance safety. To focus on high volume traffic stops in areas of reported drug activity while having resources readily available to assist if someone is encountered who is suffering from substance use disorder.
METRICH Lt. Steve Blust advised that the operation was a success and thanked the area Law Enforcement agencies that participated and all the other collaborating agencies that assisted.
METRICH Lt. Steve Blust stated the collaboration between the Richland County law enforcement agencies and the METRICH Enforcement Unit continues to have a positive impact on removing illegal drugs coming into the Richland County communities, while getting the proper help to those in need.
The METRICH Enforcement Unit encourages citizens to continue to be proactive by reporting suspected drug activity. Citizens can call the METRICH Crime Tip Hotline at 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463) or the Task Force line at 419-755-9728 & METRICH App