Tackling the Illicit Drug Landscape in Ohio

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – As part of the Governor’s commitment to reducing drug poisonings and overdoses, the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) has issued its first Strategic Report.  The report outlines ONIC’s work to reduce drug use, drug manufacturing and trafficking, drug-related violent crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences. ONIC’s overall goal is to save lives and reduce drug poisonings by interrupting Ohio’s illicit drug supply.

Here is why work by the ONIC is so critical: 

• 27,752 Ohioans died from an unintentional drug poisoning between 2017 and 2022, an average of 4,625 a year.
• Fentanyl was involved in 21,375 (77%) of all drug poisoning deaths over that time period, often in combination with other drugs (polydrug mixtures).
• Polydrug mixtures and counterfeit prescription pills containing illicit drugs contributed to those drug poisoning deaths, very likely because of fentanyl and combinations of drugs found in the pills.

Under the leadership of Governor Mike DeWine, ONIC is taking a strategic and targeted approach to reduce overdose deaths by disrupting the drug supply using accelerated intelligence and enhanced partnerships. The ONIC operates intelligence units and digital forensic laboratories in four locations across the state: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. The ONIC collaborates with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to leverage the very best technologies and analysis available to detect, identify, and intercept dangerous drugs from hitting our streets.  These partnerships have resulted in a 14% decrease in unintentional overdose deaths from 2021 through 2023. 

Analysts from ONIC believe that over the next five years, Ohio will almost certainly confront a complex, volatile, and unpredictable drug landscape. Combinations of potent drugs will very likely be responsible for most drug poisoning deaths across Ohio.  Drug traffickers will likely leverage technology such as encryption and cryptocurrency to conceal incriminating evidence about their illicit activities.

“Maintaining pressure on drug traffickers is crucial.  They adapt as laws change, and we must continue to adapt our strategies in order to bring them to justice,” said Cynthia Peterman, ONIC Executive Director.  “The ONIC is committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to operationalize our strategies and enhance the safety and security of all Ohio residents.”

ONIC digital forensic specialists and intelligence analysts use complex analytical tools to locate connections within and beyond jurisdictions, determine links between cases, and dismantle criminal networks. ONIC investigations have led to the successful conclusion of significant cases including drug seizures, racketeering, online and dark markets, cryptocurrency seizures, firearms trafficking, cartels, gangs, and other violent criminal networks. These capabilities provide critical support that is indispensable to our law enforcement partners.

Governor DeWine established the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, which is housed within the Ohio Department of Public Safety, through an Executive Order in 2019, and Section 5502.69 of the Ohio Revised Code requires the ONIC is directed to develop, update, and coordinate the implementation of an Ohio drug control strategy.