Strike force to target violence, drugs in Cleveland

A new Cleveland Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Strike Force will target violent crime and drug trafficking in the city.

The force, scheduled to be operational by mid-2019, will be comprised of more than 200 local police, federal agents and prosecutors. Participating groups include the Cleveland Division of Police, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, the Independence Police Department, the Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Marshals Service.

The goal is to target major criminal organizations and find ways to disrupt and dismantle the organizations and their financial infrastructure. Major criminal organizations include organizations involved in trafficking opioids and street gangs.

“The creation of the Cleveland Strike Force is an exciting time for law enforcement and a valuable tool to help protect our citizens and hold criminals accountable,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony said. “Combining under one roof the unique skills, talents, and capabilities of the participating agencies will enable us to better address the wide variety of significant drug and violent crime threats facing our community. The FBI is fully committed to help lead this critical new initiative with substantial resources, equipment, and technology.”