Drug abuse education was a main focus, resulting in multiple referrals for addiction treatment and counseling
(PORTSMOUTH) – Through multiple public health and safety collaborations to strengthen
and improve efforts to reduce drug overdoses and vehicle fatalities in Scioto County, a
two-day impaired driving, narcotics, and fugitive enforcement initiative on September 17
and 18 was completed. With the support of community leaders, the Ohio State Highway
Patrol partnered with the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, Southern Ohio Drug Task Force,
Southern Ohio Organized Major Crimes Task Force, Scioto County Adult Probation
Department, and the Scioto County Quick Response Team for the initiative.
“Narcotics use and other harmful illicit substances continue to harm our community,” said
Lieutenant Jeremy Schuldt, Portsmouth Post commander. “The mission during this
initiative was to stop these harmful substances and impaired drivers before they reached
families in Scioto County.”
During the initiative, partnering agencies made 214 traffic stops, resulting in eight drug
cases and two illegal weapons seized. Over 170 of these stops were to assist motorists or
to issue warnings for violations. Awareness and education to citizens about the dangers of
drug abuse and impaired driving was a main focus of the two-day initiative, resulting in
five treatment referrals for addiction treatment and counseling, as well as two impaired
driving arrests.
“A safe environment for residents and visitors of our county will always be a focus for the
Scioto County Sheriff’s Office,” said Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman.
“Coordinated efforts with other law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders to
stop deaths associated with narcotics abuse and impaired driving continues to be a main
focus for our deputies.”
The Patrol and the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office want to remind residents and visitors
that roadway safety is a shared responsibility. Everyone can contribute to safer roads by
always driving sober, strictly following speed limits and never driving distracted.
The public is encouraged to use #677 or 911 to report dangerous or impaired drivers, as well as drug activity.
These types of initiatives not only keep communities safer but can also be a wake-up call for those struggling with addiction. For individuals caught up in substance use, facing legal consequences might push them to seek help. Programs like intensive outpatient recovery offer a chance to turn things around without having to commit to a full-time facility, allowing people to maintain aspects of their daily lives while working on recovery. It’s about making resources available to help people make lasting changes and prevent repeat offenses.