BUTLER COUNTY, Ohio — A multi-agency task force arrested dozens of suspects and seized thousands of grams worth of illegal drugs in the first half of 2019, according to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.
The Butler County Undercover Regional Narcotics Task Force (BURN) has executed 73 search warrants and arrested 64 people between January and June. The arrests resulted in 53 felony indictments, authorities said.
Drugs seized during those six months include:
- More than 4,915 grams of methamphetamine
- 5,161 grams of cocaine
- 919 grams of fentanyl/heroin
Other drugs seized by members of the task force include prescription drugs, hash oil, marijuana and THC vape cartridges.
Twenty-four firearms are off the streets thanks to BURN, according to the sheriff’s office, and drug agents also found a hypodermic needle near a street gutter in a location where children play nearby.
More items were seized by BURN agents, including jewelry and cars, because they were allegedly purchased using the proceeds from illegal drug sales.
Cities and agencies currently participating in the task force include Hamilton, Middletown, Oxford, Fairfield, Butler County Adult Probation, Butler County Adult Parole and DEA Cincinnati.
Sheriff Richard Jones encourages all law enforcement agencies in the county to participate.
“We are stronger together than we are divided,” Jones said.
In addition to drug investigations, the task force also conducts drug prevention and education presentations, so far reaching about 500 Butler County residents.
