OSHP | Impaired driving initiative ends in treatment referrals

PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WSAZ) - More than 200 traffic stops were made during a joint law enforcement effort to reduce drug overdoses and vehicle fatalities in Scioto County, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The two-day impaired driving, narcotics, and fugitive enforcement initiative was carried out on September 17 and 18.

“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.”

Partnering agencies made 214 traffic stops, resulting in eight drug cases and two illegal weapons seized. Ohio State Highway Patrol says over 170 of the 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 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 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.

The public is encouraged to use #677 or 911 to report dangerous or impaired drivers, as well as drug activity.

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