In the first six months of 2016, the Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated a wide range of felony offenses and increased total drug arrests from the year before, thanks to troopers who take extra time during traffic stops to look for possible indicators of criminal activity.
From January through June, troopers made 7,493 total drug arrests, representing a 20 percent increase compared to 2015.
“Many felonies that occur in our state will at some point involve our highways,” said Lt. Tim Grigsby, Van Wert Post Commander. “That means troopers have an opportunity to stop a crime by looking for criminal indicators during traffic stops.”
Large drug seizures of the last six months include 6 kilos (13.2 lbs.) of cocaine seized in a Madison County traffic stop. In total, OSHP has seized over 885,000 grams of marijuana and 53,000 grams of heroin during the first half of 2016.
Motorists are reminded that public participation is critical to highway safety. Call # 677 to report impaired drivers or drug activity.
For a complete statistical analysis please visit http://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/doc/2016_Jan-Jun_FelonyAndDrug.pdf.
