![Gov. Mike DeWine signs an executive order creating the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center on July 31, 2019. [Olivia Miltner / WOSU]](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/29acac7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5518x3679+0+0/resize/840x560!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fimages%2Fnews%2Fnpr%2F2020%2F02%2F802399524_797895668.jpg)
Gov. Mike Dewine is directing more than $2 million of grant funding into local drug task forces.
The funds will be distributed to 27 existing task forces to help disrupt the drug trade in Ohio. DeWine says he hopes the funds will help law enforcement agencies identify traffickers, interrupt the flow of drugs from Mexico, and prevent the sale of illegal drugs to those struggling with substance use disorder.
Hamilton County was awarded the largest individual sum, with three agencies receiving nearly $230,000. The Southeast Ohio county has one of the highest overdose death rates in the state.
Ohio's other most populous counties – Franklin, Cuyahoga, Montgomery and Summit – will also receive grants. The LEAP task force, which operates in both Franklin and Delaware, is getting $50,000.
The money comes as part of DeWine's broader Recovery Ohio effort, which aims to increase substance use awareness and promote recovery.
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