Multi-Agency Impaired Driving and Narcotics Enforcement Initiative Completed in Scioto County

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.