MANSFIELD — Three felony arrests were made after a joint operation among Richland County authorities netted a confiscation of multiple drugs, according to a Friday afternoon press release from the METRICH Enforcement Unit.
The operation included 108 traffic stops. In addition to three arrests, authorities seized 33.5 grams of crack, 16 grams of cocaine and 11 grams of methamphetamine.
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 Prosecutor’s office, Catalyst Life Services, Richland County Mental Health & Recovery and 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 were made in areas of reported drug activity. Meanwhile authorities had resources readily available to assist if someone was encountered suffering from substance abuse 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.
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.