Drug Interdiction Task Force seizes over $42 million in narcotics in 2021

MIAMI VALLEY — The Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC) say they seized more than $42 million in illegal drugs in 2021.

The OOCIC is a collaborative effort involving federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

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According to a release, the more than $42 million in narcotics seized this year surpassed the $29 million confiscated in 2020.

“The law enforcement officers of our major drug interdiction task forces are guardians on the wall, protecting Ohioans from overdoses and death by seizing narcotics before they are distributed into our communities,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said in a statement.

According to a release, task forces were formed through a partnership with Homeland Security Investigations and local law enforcement agencies statewide. They were funded through RecoveryOhio, jointly with the Ohio Department of Public Safety and Ohio Criminal Justice Services.

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This year the Miami Valley Bulk Smuggling Task Force arrested Jose Noriega-Rodriquez of Sinaloa, Mexico, on charges of narcotics trafficking. During their investigation, the task force seized 10 kilograms of fentanyl, two kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin, 336 grams of methamphetamine, four pounds of marijuana and about $150,000.

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