COLUMBUS – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced Aug. 1 that work by agents with the Attorney General’s Heroin Unit
, according to a media release from the Ohio Attorney General’s office.
The release said authorities with the Lorain Police Department, Lorain County Drug Task Force and Elyria Narcotics Unit requested the assistance of the Attorney General’s Heroin Unit in June. The unit, which DeWine developed in response to the growing number of heroin overdose deaths in Ohio, consists of Bureau of Criminal Investigation agents who provide investigative assistance to law enforcement agencies undergoing large-scale heroin investigations, the release stated. In a July 31 press conference, those involved in the investigation announced the operation led to the arrest of seven suspects in what was the largest heroin investigation in Lorain’s history.
In the release, Lorain Police Sergeant Tom Nimon was quoted saying that assistance from the Attorney General’s Heroin Unit was ‘very helpful’ in gathering evidence against the suspects. ‘We intend to continue working together to stop traffickers from coming to this area,’ he added.
‘This is a perfect example of what can happen when local and state law enforcement agencies partner together to fight those bringing heroin in our communities,’ said Lorain County Sheriff Phil Stammitti in the release. ‘We are very appreciative of the teamwork by everyone associated with the case.’
