Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

The Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) continued to develop in 2005 

in response to the drug threats in the region. The Ohio HIDTA, like all HIDTAs nationwide, is 

designed to significantly disrupt the market for illicit drug activities through the cooperative 

efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement. Every time illegal drugs and associated drug 

assets are seized, the regional marketplace for illegal drugs suffers a setback. These seizures hit 

drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) hard, affecting their profitability, and frequently their 

ultimate survival. By disturbing the drug supply chain at the local, multi-state, or international 

level, law enforcement impacts the drug flow before it ever reaches the individual user. Law 

enforcement activities, of course, also have a cost. A key question that this report will answer, 

therefore, is how efficiently and effectively public dollars are being spent on these objectives. 

During this past reporting period, Ohio HIDTA initiatives disrupted the market for illegal drugs 

by meeting or exceeding many of their performance targets for the year and by making 

significant inroads towards meeting other performance targets, and they did so in a cost effective 

manner. The following highlights illustrate this success: 

• The Ohio HIDTA facilitates cooperation and joint efforts between numerous law 

enforcement organizations throughout the region. There were 381 personnel representing 95 

federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies participating in the Ohio HIDTA initiatives. 

The Ohio HIDTA Initiatives and Investigative Support Center combine and coordinate their 

efforts to continue to make significant progress in identifying, investigating and dismantling or 

disrupting the area’s most dangerous and prolific DTOs, drug dealers, money launderers, and 

violent criminals. 

• During Calendar Year (CY) 2005, more than $91 million dollars in illicit drug profits were 

removed from regional DTOs, having a lasting effect on their abilities to continue to operate. 

These seizures represent a sizeable reduction in illicit drug availability. 

• Every Ohio HIDTA budget dollar spent on law enforcement and intelligence initiatives 

contributed to removing $24.00 in illicit drugs from the market and to seizing $10.00 of drugrelated assets. Ohio HIDTA law enforcement and intelligence initiatives achieved a remarkable 

combined Return-on-Investment (ROI) of $33.00 for every $1.00 of Ohio HIDTA funds 

invested. 

• HIDTAs exist to disrupt and dismantle DTOs. During 2005, Ohio HIDTA initiatives 

identified and targeted 113 DTOs. By the end of the year, 34 of these targeted DTOs were 

disrupted. In addition, 44 of the targeted DTOs were totally dismantled. In total, 69% of the 

DTOs targeted for investigation were disrupted or dismantled, a 9% increase from 2004. 

• The Ohio HIDTA strives to investigate larger, more complex DTOs. Disrupting or 

dismantling a large-scale DTO generally takes longer than stopping a street level operation, but 

doing so can substantially reduce the illicit drug marketplace. As illustrated by the statistical 

measures contained throughout this annual report, during CY 2005, Ohio HIDTA initiatives 

targeted numerous complex cases involving larger DTOs. Specifically, Ohio HIDTA initiatives 

handled 33 OCDETF cases of which 15 involved multi-state DTOs and 18 were international in 

scope. In addition, Ohio HIDTA initiatives developed enough information to identify 19 of these 

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Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

more complex investigations as CPOT cases, which comprises an impressive 17% of the total 

number of DTO cases investigated in 2005 by Ohio HIDTA initiatives. 

• Two Ohio HIDTA initiatives worked together to dismantle a complex international DTO in 

2005 responsible for distributing large quantities of narcotics in the Ohio HIDTA region. 

Working in collaboration with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, the Ohio 

HIDTA’s Akron/ Summit County HIDTA Initiative and Northeast Ohio Interdiction Task Force 

conducted a multi-jurisdictional OCDETF investigation of a CPOT-linked, poly-drug trafficking 

organization distributing large amounts of cocaine, MDMA, GHB, Crystal Methamphetamine 

and Ketamine in the Ohio HIDTA region. This DTO was responsible for distributing more than 

12 pounds of Crystal Methamphetamine per month for more than four years in central and 

northeast Ohio. The investigation led to supply sources in Georgia, California, Arizona and 

Canada. Seizures by these Ohio HIDTA initiatives included 22 pounds of methamphetamine, 

32,000 tablets of MDMA, $158,000 in U.S. Currency and seven firearms. The thorough and 

effective investigation of this DTO by the Ohio HIDTA initiatives led to the arrest of 54 coconspirators in April 2005 and effective dismantlement of the organization. 

• The Ohio HIDTA continues to play a leading role in addressing training needs for law 

enforcement and investigative support initiatives, as well as participating agencies in the region. 

In 2005, more than 2,000 initiative and participating agency personnel were trained through the 

Ohio HIDTA Training Program at a cost of only $3.37 per hour of training. 

• The Ohio HIDTA Investigative Support Center (ISC) continues to increase and expand its 

role in assisting initiatives with their information sharing and investigative needs. Ohio HIDTA 

initiatives and participating agencies increased their submissions of event and subject 

deconflictions by nearly 25% from the previous year. Information sharing and training support 

form the “glue” that binds these initiatives together by promoting and facilitating greater 

efficiency and effectiveness. 

• Technological advances continue to enhance information sharing and investigative 

collaboration among Ohio HIDTA initiatives. In 2005, three additional initiatives were 

connected to the Ohio HIDTA Wide Area Network (WAN), allowing for improved 

communication with the ISC and other initiatives. 

II. INTRODUCTION 

The Ohio HIDTA is pleased to present this annual report documenting its activities and 

accomplishments during the 2005 calendar year. An understanding of how each HIDTA is 

structured and why it exists is useful in order to appreciate these accomplishments. The Director 

of ONDCP designates regions with critical drug-trafficking problems adversely impacting the 

United States as HIDTAs. The national HIDTA program, composed of 28 individual HIDTAs 

spread throughout the nation, is uniquely situated to combat drug trafficking. HIDTAs play a 

significant role in addressing real world drug and drug-related problems, and offer real world 

solutions. 

The Ohio HIDTA is comprised of eleven counties, which cover the major metropolitan 

areas in Ohio. In 2005, the Ohio HIDTA fostered cooperative and effective working 

relationships with 95 federal, state, and local agencies, comprised of 381 agents, officers, 

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Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

analysts and other staff members, in its effort to disrupt or dismantle DTOs. (A complete list of 

participating agencies can be found in Appendix C.) These working relationships are the 

foundation of the Ohio HIDTA initiatives. A detailed description of each initiative can be found 

in the Ohio HIDTA Threat Assessment Summary 2005 Strategies, Initiatives, and Budget, which 

is available from the Ohio HIDTA office. A summary of each initiative can be found in 

Appendix E. The following tables depict the breakdown of this coordinated participation. 

Chart 1 – Breakdown of Participating Agencies - 2005 

Breakdown of Participating Agencies - 2005 

State (6) Local (79) 

Federal (10) 

Source: Ohio HIDTA CY2005 Initiative Reports 

Chart 2 – Breakdown of Participating Agency Personnel - 2005 

Breakdown of Participating Agency Personnel -

2005 

Federal (102) 

State (34) Local (245) 

Source: Ohio HIDTA CY2005 Initiative Reports 

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Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Ohio HIDTA law enforcement initiatives have established strategies that focus on 

immobilizing DTOs, especially those involved with drug-related violent crime, as well as 

targeting those DTOs that have the greatest adverse impact on the quality of life in 

neighborhoods and communities throughout the region. There is a determined effort to counter 

drug movement into and through the region, and to arrest those who conceal the proceeds from 

illegal drug sales within the region. This is exemplified by the continuing enhancements to 

regional investigative and interdiction initiatives. 

To achieve meaningful results, each HIDTA needs clear goals (the HIDTA Program 

Goals); a recognition of the challenges faced (a Threat Assessment); a plan to get there (a 

Strategy with quantifiable performance targets); and a way to document achievements (an 

Annual Report). The overall HIDTA mission is embodied by the following National Program 

Mission Statement: 

National HIDTA 

Program Mission Statement 

The mission of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program is to disrupt the 

market for illegal drugs in the United States by assisting federal, state, and local law 

enforcement entities participating in the HIDTA program to dismantle and disrupt drug 

trafficking organizations, with particular emphasis on drug trafficking regions that have 

harmful effects on other parts of the United States. 

The Ohio HIDTA’s mission presents a clear message in its cooperative approach towards 

reducing drug availability in the region. The Ohio HIDTA fully embodies the following mission 

in conjunction with the national program objectives. 

Ohio HIDTA 

Mission Statement 

The mission of the Ohio HIDTA is to reduce drug availability by creating 

intelligence-driven task forces aimed at eliminating or reducing drug trafficking 

and its harmful consequences through enhancing and helping to coordinate drugtrafficking control efforts among federal, state, and local law enforcement 

agencies. 

Reporting Period: This Annual Report covers the reporting period January 1, 2005 to December 

31, 2005. 

Budget Allocation: During this reporting period, ONDCP allocated a $3,208,000 budget for 

Ohio HIDTA operations. Ohio HIDTA strives to minimize any expenditure that does not directly 

address achieving their primary objectives. Throughout this Annual Report, the Ohio HIDTA is 

pleased to report significant success in achieving its mission, and its performance projects a 

positive future. HIDTA dollars are well spent since they are yielding precisely the desired 

effects. 

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Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Geographic Area of Responsibility: 

• Cuyahoga County 

• Fairfield County 

• Franklin County 

• Greene County 

• Hamilton County 

• Lucas County 

• Mahoning County 

• Montgomery County 

• Stark County 

• Summit County 

• Warren County 

The Ohio HIDTA region covers the major cities in Ohio, including Akron, Canton, 

Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, 

Toledo and Youngstown. The blend of rural 

and urban areas in the region fosters an ideal 

habitat for drug smuggling, transportation, 

distribution, production, and consumption of 

illegal drugs. The Ohio HIDTA region is 

located approximately halfway between 

Chicago, Illinois and New York, New York 

and is located in close proximity to the 

U.S./Canadian border. Major interstate 

highways (I-70, I-71, I-75, I-76, I-77, I-80 and 

I-90) are easily accessible within the entire 

Ohio HIDTA region and connect Ohio in all 

directions to prominent drug-trafficking 

source areas of supply. These highways, 

combined with Ohio’s other well-developed 

transportation routes including air, rail, and bus, make this region a prime market of choice for 

the transportation and distribution of illicit drugs by DTOs. 

III. National HIDTA Goals 

HIDTAs nationally have adopted two specific goals to address the drug challenge. These 

two national goals guide all HIDTA initiatives and activities throughout the United States. The 

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Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Ohio HIDTA is proud to present these national HIDTA program goals, plus concise summaries 

of its Threat Assessment for Budget Year 2005 and resultant Strategy in the following sections. 

The Ohio HIDTA has developed an individual strategy to meet local drug threats according to its 

individual needs, in conjunction with the following national objectives: 

NATIONAL HIDTA GOALS 

Goal 1: Disrupt the market for illegal drugs by dismantling or 

disrupting drug trafficking and/or money laundering 

organizations; and 

Goal 2: Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of HIDTA 

initiatives. 

The HIDTA Goals represent clear targets for Ohio HIDTA initiatives. They also provide 

the foundation upon which performance planning and outcome measurements are based. As the 

Ohio HIDTA develops budget submissions, each Ohio HIDTA initiative must present 

programmatic and fiscal justifications that are based on the Threat Assessment, must articulate 

how the initiative’s funding request directly addresses the threat, must set realistic performance 

measures, and must eventually provide specific information on how the funding has allowed the 

Ohio HIDTA to meet its desired outcomes. Ohio HIDTA initiatives are developed within clear 

national guidelines governing all HIDTA activities and expenditures. 

The Ohio HIDTA Executive Board is significantly involved in all aspects of the Ohio 

HIDTA intelligence, investigation, and interdiction activities. The board provides a forum to 

share important trends in drug trafficking, gathers information on which drugs are being 

distributed throughout the region, and identifies DTOs. The board also addresses important 

administrative issues in its oversight capacity. The board has established an ISC/Intelligence 

Subcommittee that supports Ohio HIDTA initiatives and its participating agencies on a wide 

variety of intelligence issues, training, and other matters. The board has also established a 

Technical Equipment Subcommittee that supports Ohio HIDTA initiatives in the latest trends in 

technology for law enforcement. Ohio HIDTA success is measured by results, and each 

initiative is fully accountable for its success or failure in meeting its objectives. 

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Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

IV. Summary of Threat Assessment for Budget Year 2005 

Each year the Ohio HIDTA produces a well-researched and thorough threat assessment 

as part of its method in creating an accurate and effective plan to combat drug trafficking in the 

Ohio HIDTA region. The Ohio HIDTA 2005 Threat Assessment provides details on the threats 

identified. The following summary is presented for convenience. 

The Ohio HIDTA region lies in close proximity to the U.S./Canadian border. Along with 

seaports located in Cleveland and Toledo, and numerous interstate highways located throughout 

the Ohio HIDTA region, drug-trafficking organizations have many opportunities to maneuver 

illicit drugs into the area. Additionally, organizations use legitimate businesses such as 

airfreight, commercial buses, trains and commercial and private aircraft to transport narcotics. 

The most common transportation methods occurring within the Ohio HIDTA region are privately 

owned vehicles and commercial transportation. The transportation effort is facilitated by 

interstates I-70, I-71, I-75, I-77, I-80, and I-90, which provide a unique “Gateway” to the 

Midwest. The chart below illustrates the domestic and international source areas from which 

DTOs transported drugs into the Ohio HIDTA region in 2005. 

Powder and crack cocaine remain the greatest drug threat to the major metropolitan areas 

that comprise the Ohio HIDTA region. Cocaine is transported into the Ohio HIDTA region from 

the Southwest Border, including California and Texas, as well as from Miami, Florida and New 

York City. Chicago, Illinois and Detroit, Michigan serve as transshipment points and 

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Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

distribution centers for cocaine shipped from the Southwest Border and transported throughout 

the Ohio HIDTA region. Heroin is readily available and remains a significant drug threat to the 

Ohio HIDTA region. Mexican black tar, brown powder, as well as South American heroin are 

the most prevalent in the Ohio HIDTA region. Methamphetamine production continues to grow 

in Ohio as evidenced by clandestine laboratory activity throughout the state. Methamphetamine 

production continues to be dependent on the ready availability of precursor chemicals, primarily 

pseudoephedrine and anhydrous ammonia. Marijuana continues to be the most widely available 

and abused illicit drug throughout the Ohio HIDTA region. Most marijuana distributed in Ohio 

is transported from Mexico across the Southwest Border and into the Ohio HIDTA region. 

Marijuana cultivation in Northern Ohio has traditionally been sporadic; however, several 

significant indoor marijuana grows emerged to produce a greater threat in Northeast Ohio in 

2004. The abuse of other dangerous drugs, such as diverted pharmaceuticals, especially 

Oxycontin, presents an increasing threat in Ohio. 

The most significant drug-trafficking organizations in the Ohio HIDTA region are 

comprised of primarily Mexican and Dominican drug-trafficking organizations. AfricanAmerican and Hispanic criminal groups, as well as various other independent dealers and outlaw 

motorcycle gangs, are also known to transport and distribute illicit drugs in wholesale quantity 

and are typically limited to mid-level or retail distribution operations. Nearly all identified drugtrafficking organizations and criminal groups in the Ohio HIDTA region are involved in all 

facets of drug operations at various levels including transportation, distribution, manufacture, 

and associated money-laundering activities. While other regions of the country have historically 

been “source areas,” cities located in the Ohio HIDTA region are primarily retail distribution or 

“market areas.” 

V. Summary of Strategy for Budget Year 2005 

The Ohio HIDTA Threat Assessment Summary 2005 Strategies, Initiatives, and Budget 

provides details on the Ohio HIDTA strategy and initiatives. The following summary is 

presented for convenience. Appendix E of this report provides an overview of each Ohio 

HIDTA initiative individually. 

The Ohio HIDTA approach is to collocate law enforcement personnel in order to foster 

enhanced information and resource sharing. Through collocation, interagency cooperation, and 

consolidation of strategic and tactical information, the Ohio HIDTA fosters a comprehensive 

response to illicit drug activity by bringing together all available law enforcement resources in a 

united front. Ohio HIDTA law enforcement initiatives focus on DTOs, money laundering 

groups, violent drug offenders, drug interdiction, domestic drug movement and terrorism. Ohio 

HIDTA law enforcement initiatives are directed through the respective lead agencies’ 

management policies and the challenges identified in the annual Ohio HIDTA Threat 

Assessment. Law enforcement initiatives actively pursue the outcomes sought by HIDTA Goal 

1. All Ohio HIDTA initiatives submit data to the Ohio HIDTA deconfliction center, thereby 

facilitating information sharing, deconfliction, enhanced officer safety, and an ability to avoid 

unnecessary duplication of effort during investigations where there may be common elements or 

subjects. Enhanced communication, collaboration, and information sharing, along with effective 

training, are key law enforcement components designed to promote maximum efficiency and 

effectiveness as prescribed by HIDTA Goal 2. Goal 1 and Goal 2 are closely intertwined, with 

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Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Goal 2 providing the integration support services that enhance the ability for all initiatives to 

meet their goals. 

The Ohio HIDTA continues to develop strategies that will produce positive regional 

outcomes consistent with the two HIDTA goals. The Ohio HIDTA funded 16 initiatives in CY 

2005 distributed as follows: 

• 12 Investigative DTO Focus • 3 Intelligence Focus 

• 5 Investigative Money Laundering Focus • 1 Training Focus 

• 6 Interdiction Focus • 1 Management & Coordination Focus 

(Note – Several initiatives have multiple focuses, i.e. – interdiction and investigation, 

intelligence and interdiction. A detailed description of each initiative can be found in 

Appendix E.) 

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Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

VI. HIDTA Performance Measures 

HIDTA Performance Measures quantify and track HIDTA targets and monitor HIDTA 

results. Utilizing the Performance Measurement Process (PMP), the Ohio HIDTA Annual 

Report now functions as a report card of HIDTA efficiency and effectiveness. The Annual 

Report provides a reference for comparison with previous years’ efforts and serves as a guide for 

future activities. The next series of tables and charts present specific outputs and efficiency 

measures organized in Ohio HIDTA’s Goals. These measurable results reflect a continuing 

increase in efficiency and effectiveness at lower programmatic costs. 

A. Performance Measures for Goal 1 

Core Table 1 - DTOs Disrupted or Dismantled, 2005 

Ohio HIDTA DTOs Disrupted or Dismantled for 2005 

Year DTOs 

Identified 

Total 

Targeted # Disrupted 

% of 

Targeted 

Disrupted 

# Dismantled 

% of 

Targeted 

Dismantled 

Begin 2005 71 71 27 38% 24 34% 

During 2005 42 42 7 17% 20 48% 

Total 2005 113 113 34 30% 44 39%

 Source: Ohio HIDTA DTO Reports 

Core Table 2 - Percentage of DTOs Disrupted or Dismantled by Scope, 2005 

Ohio HIDTA DTOs Disrupted or Dismantled for 2005 [ALL DTOs; MLOs included] 

Scope # 

Identified 

# 

Targeted 

# 

Disrupted 

% of 

Targeted 

Disrupted 

# 

Dismantled 

% of 

Targeted 

Dismantled 

Total 

Disrupted 

or 

Dismantled 

Total % 

Disrupted 

or 

Dismantled 

International 32 32 10 31% 12 38% 22 69% 

Multi-state 48 48 15 31% 16 33% 32 65% 

Local 33 33 9 27% 16 48% 22 76% 

Total 113 113 34 30% 44 39% 76 69% 

Source: Ohio HIDTA DTO Reports 

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Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Core Table 3 - Percentage of Money Laundering Organizations Disrupted or Dismantled by Scope, 2005 

Ohio HIDTA Money Laundering Organizations Disrupted or Dismantled for 2005 

Scope 

# 

Identified 

MLOs 

# 

Targeted 

# 

Disrupted 

% of 

Targeted 

Disrupted 

# 

Dismantled 

% of 

Targeted 

Dismantled 

Total 

Disrupted 

or 

Dismantled 

Total % 

Disrupted 

or 

Dismantled 

International 2 2 0 0% 1 50% 1 50% 

Multi-state 2 2 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 

Local 1 1 0 0% 1 100% 1 100% 

Total 5 5 0 0% 2 40% 2 40% 

Source: Ohio HIDTA DTO Reports 

Core Table 4 - Operational Scope of All DTO Cases Initiated in 2005 

Scope # CPOT 

Cases 

International 1 

# RPOT 

Cases 

4 

# OCDETF 

Cases 

4 

% OCDETF of 

Total Cases 

12% 

Multi-state 5 2 4 8% 

Local 0 0 0 0% 

Total 6 

Source: Ohio HIDTA DTO Reports 

6 8 7% 

HIDTAs across the country target the organizations that propagate illegal drug trade. 

Tables 1 through 4 reflect the remarkable impact Ohio HIDTA initiatives had on DTOs, not only 

within the Ohio HIDTA region itself, but also nationally and internationally. Table 1 shows that 

during 2005, Ohio HIDTA initiatives identified and targeted 113 DTOs. By the end of calendar 

year 2005, the Ohio HIDTA disrupted 34 and dismantled 44 DTOs targeted during the calendar 

year. Thus, a total of 78 DTOs were disrupted or dismantled. In short, of the 113 DTOs 

identified and targeted in the reporting period, 69% were disrupted or dismantled: a significant 

achievement considering that most larger-scale DTO investigations require several years of 

investigative activity. 

Illicit drug trafficking occurs on several different levels ranging from the small local 

street dealers to the multi-state organizations, and ultimately to the sophisticated international 

drug cartels. HIDTAs are geared to attack the problem at the upper levels as well as the street 

level. Table 2 explains Ohio HIDTA’s success in terms of the operational scope of the DTOs 

identified and targeted in calendar year 2005. Of the 113 DTOs identified, 80 operated beyond 

the Ohio HIDTA region in multiple states, or were involved in international operations. Ohio 

HIDTA initiatives targeted all 80 of these major operations, disrupting 25 and totally dismantling 

28 of the larger targeted DTOs. More than two-thirds of the targeted international DTOs were 

either disrupted or dismantled and two-thirds of the multi-state DTOs were either disrupted or 

dismantled. These large-scale DTOs require more intensive longer-term investigations, which 

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Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

will often last several years. The dismantlement and disruption of two-thirds of the larger DTOs 

targeted in 2005 reflects the Ohio HIDTA’s commitment to identify, target, and dismantle or 

disrupt large-scale drug operations. The following examples illustrate Ohio HIDTA’s impact in 

disrupting and dismantling these complex DTOs and demonstrate the effectiveness of Ohio 

HIDTA’s cooperation and collaboration with other law enforcement throughout the country. 

Working in collaboration with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, 

the Ohio HIDTA’s Akron/ Summit County HIDTA Initiative and Northeast Ohio Interdiction 

Task Force conducted a multi-jurisdictional OCDETF investigation of a CPOT-linked, poly-drug 

trafficking organization distributing large quantities of cocaine, MDMA, GHB, Crystal 

Methamphetamine and Ketamine in the Ohio HIDTA region. This DTO was responsible for 

distributing more than 12 pounds of Crystal Methamphetamine per month for more than four 

years in central and northeast Ohio. The investigation led to supply sources in Georgia, 

California, Arizona and Canada. Seizures by these Ohio HIDTA initiatives included 22 pounds 

of methamphetamine, 32,000 tablets of MDMA, $158,000 in U.S. Currency and seven firearms. 

The thorough and effective investigation of this DTO by these Ohio HIDTA initiatives led to the 

arrest of 54 co-conspirators in April 2005 and effective dismantlement of the organization. 

In a cooperative effort with the FBI, the Ohio HIDTA’s Mahoning Valley Law 

Enforcement Task Force dismantled an international, CPOT-linked DTO distributing cocaine in 

the Ohio HIDTA region. The investigation began in 2003 and, through the use of several Title 

III wire intercepts, culminated in late 2005 with the arrest of 10 subjects for Conspiracy to 

Distribute Cocaine. Drug and asset seizures include more than $225,000, more than 3 kilograms 

of cocaine and several firearms. 

Through thorough and effective investigative efforts during the past two years, which 

began with the seizure of 73 kilograms of cocaine at a local hotel in 2003, the Ohio HIDTA’s 

Money Laundering Intelligence Initiative identified and dismantled a CPOT-linked DTO 

operating between Los Angeles, California and Cleveland, Ohio. Utilizing several Title III wire 

intercepts throughout the country, this OCDETF operation culminated in 2005 with the arrest of 

more than 15 subjects and the seizure of more than $1,000,000 in assets. 

The Ohio HIDTA’s Caribbean Gang Drug Task Force completed an investigation into a 

CPOT-linked DTO responsible for distributing cocaine and heroin in the Ohio HIDTA Region. 

The use of numerous Title III wire intercepts led to cooperative, spin-off investigations in 

Connecticut, Illinois and Mexico. In early summer 2005, through their joint investigative efforts, 

the Caribbean Gang Drug Task Force and other law enforcement agencies in Chicago and 

Connecticut arrested more than 90 subjects on narcotics-related charges. Seizures have included 

more than 40 kilograms of cocaine, 7 kilograms of heroin, $450,000 and 8 weapons. 

The Ohio HIDTA’s DEA Youngstown Initiative initiated an investigation into an 

international RPOT-linked DTO in March 2004. The OCDETF investigation began with the 

seizure of two kilograms of cocaine and the arrest of one defendant. The Initiative’s 

investigative efforts resulted in spin off investigations by DEA offices in Chicago, Los Angeles 

and Mexico City. The cocaine seizures made in the Youngstown area total over 171 kilograms 

to date and have set records for the Mahoning Valley area as well as the State of Ohio. In 

February 2005, a search warrant executed in Pensacola, Florida, resulted in the seizure of almost 

$350,000 in cash. Assets seized in this investigation now exceed $1,000,000. This cooperative 

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Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

investigation has revealed that the DTOs involved have been responsible for the distribution of 

tons of cocaine throughout the United States and in excess of 1,000 kilograms of cocaine to the 

Northeast Ohio/ Western Pennsylvania area. Thus far 27 defendants have been arrested and 

indicted resulting in 22 defendants convicted and one awaiting trial. 

The dismantlement of a multi-state, CPOT-linked DTO distributing approximately 40 

kilograms of cocaine and crack cocaine each month into the Ohio HIDTA region further 

illustrates the impact of the Ohio HIDTA on large-scale DTOs. The Ohio HIDTA’s Northwest 

Ohio Drug Task Force conducted an OCDETF investigation into this DTO, which was 

transporting cocaine from Indiana into the Ohio HIDTA region for distribution. The DTO, 

which was violent towards both law enforcement and those cooperating with law enforcement, 

extensively utilized cellular telephones to conduct its illegal business and constantly changed 

telephones to avoid targeting by law enforcement. The investigation concluded with the federal 

indictment of eight individuals who will be tried in 2006. 

The disruption of a multi-state, RPOT-linked DTO operating throughout the United 

States for the last decade further illustrates the investigative effectiveness of the Ohio HIDTA 

with these multi-state DTOs. The Ohio HIDTA’s Stark County Violent Crimes Task Force 

worked in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies during the investigation of this 

DTO, which is responsible for distributing large amounts of cocaine in the Stark County area. 

The organization’s utilization of prepaid cellular phones made the investigation more of a 

challenge. These phones were dropped every two months and were compartmentalized by the 

main distributor for different uses. The main distributor used one phone to talk to customers, a 

different phone when delivering the cocaine, and a third phone to talk with his suppliers on the 

West Coast. The Stark County Violent Crimes Task Force and other law enforcement agencies 

have thus far seized 28 kilograms of cocaine. 

DTOs operating in the Ohio HIDTA region have engaged in violent, murderous behavior 

in retribution for the disruption of their narcotics distribution. The Ohio HIDTA’s Southwest 

Ohio Regional Drug Task Force conducted a follow-up investigation in 2005 for a previously 

dismantled DTO responsible for distributing large amounts of narcotics into the southwestern 

part of Ohio. The results of this follow-up investigation illustrate the level of violence associated 

with these sophisticated DTOs. The relentless pursuit of seven members of the DTO by the 

Initiative resulted in all seven subjects being charged with participating in some form in the 

homicide of an individual in Ohio as part of a murder-for-hire plan. Two of the defendants were 

charged under the capital murder section of the Ohio Revised Code and are awaiting trial. 

Table 2 also demonstrates the Ohio HIDTA’s commitment to reducing retail drug sales 

by targeting 33 local DTOs in 2005. This attention to local DTOs resulted in 9 disruptions and 16 

dismantlements. More than three-fourths of the targeted local DTOs were either disrupted or 

dismantled. Attacking street-level traffickers in conjunction with the larger DTO targets has a 

ripple effect in the drug supply chain. Taking a small-level dealer off the streets, although 

resulting in a smaller drug seizure, impacts the ability of international and multi-state DTOs to 

get their drugs into the hands of drug users. This will help to reduce the efficiency and 

effectiveness of this black market industry. By making it more difficult and time consuming for 

drug buyers to “score” a local connection, thus making it more difficult for street level dealers to 

sell their drugs, the local drug markets are not able to move the same volume of drugs with the 

ease they experienced in prior years. 

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Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

An impressive investigation put forth against one local DTO in 2005 serves to illustrate 

the Ohio HIDTA’s impact on these local DTOs. The Ohio HIDTA’s Mahoning Valley Drug 

Task Force Gang Unit targets local street gangs that through their drug distribution and violence 

have an adverse impact upon the community. The initiative targeted a violent local drugtrafficking organization operating in Youngstown and distributing crack cocaine. The 

investigation concluded with task force members conducting several concurrent raids, which 

resulted in the arrest of all thirteen members of the gang in two hours without incident. The 

dismantlement of gangs operating in the region positively impacts the neighborhoods within 

which they operated and effectively severs the limbs of larger DTOs operating in the region by 

cutting off their local distribution points. 

A second investigation by the Ohio HIDTA’s Northwest Ohio Drug Task Force further 

illustrates the Ohio HIDTA’s impact on local DTOs. Working in conjunction with a local Ohio 

police department, the Northwest Ohio Drug Task Force investigated a DTO distributing 

multiple ounce quantities of crack cocaine within the Ohio HIDTA region. Running their illegal 

distribution like a local store, the DTO sold crack from two houses from Thursday evening 

through Sunday afternoon almost every week. The crack houses were shut down and the 

organization was dismantled with the indictment of eight individuals by the Initiative. 

The drug trade, for the most part, thrives upon cash sales. Taking the profit out of drug 

dealing, therefore, is a very constructive approach to disrupting the drug market. One way to 

decrease profits is to identify and target those DTOs engaging predominately in drug money 

laundering. As reflected in Table 3, Ohio HIDTA initiatives identified and targeted 5 money 

laundering DTOs in CY 2005; of which, 2 were completely dismantled. 

Table 4 depicts the operational scope only of those DTOs newly identified in 2005. As 

the Ohio HIDTA region is primarily a “market area” for narcotics distribution, many DTOs 

identified in the region begin at the local level and require investigative skill and effort to lead to 

the identification of upper-level organizations and international cartels. The course of these 

investigations may take months or more to reach the point of association to a RPOT or CPOT or 

to acquire OCDETF operational status. Therefore, to truly understand the Ohio HIDTA’s 

success in terms of the operational scope and case type of the DTOs investigated in calendar year 

2005, the following breakdown is included: 

Ohio HIDTA Operational Scope and Case Type for DTOs targeted in 2005 

# DTOs Targeted # CPOT Cases # RPOT Cases # OCDETF Cases % OCDETF of 

Total Cases 

International 32 9 10 18 56% 

Multi-state 48 10 8 15 31% 

Local 33 0 0 0 0% 

Total 113 19 18 33 29% 

The Ohio HIDTA stresses the importance of developing cases, which have the potential 

to qualify for OCDETF designation. Of the 113 investigations conducted in 2005, 33 have 

received OCDETF designation. Of the 32 international DTOs targeted, Ohio HIDTA initiatives 

Page 14 
Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

developed enough information to identify 9 of these as CPOT cases. In fact, Ohio HIDTA 

initiatives have developed enough information to identify 24% of all large-scale DTO 

investigations worked in 2005 as CPOT cases. Overall, 29% of all investigations worked in 

2005 received OCDETF designation and that 41% of the large-scale DTO investigations have 

received OCDETF designation. This is another strong indication that the Ohio HIDTA disrupted 

the market place for drugs by focusing on those DTOs operating at the multi-state and 

international levels of operation. 

In 2005, the Ohio HIDTA’s Toledo Metro Drug Task Force continued its investigation 

into a CPOT-linked DTO operating in the Toledo area. This initiative is one of the few HIDTA 

initiatives in the country to apply and receive additional funding for a CPOT investigation in 

2004. The targeted international DTO involves more than 20 subjects transporting heroin and 

cocaine from Mexico to the Ohio HIDTA region for distribution. Through the Initiative’s 

thorough and effective investigation, this DTO was linked to other investigations in New York 

City, Denver, El Paso, Chicago, Houston, and Detroit. In May 2005, the Initiative seized more 

than 18 kilograms of heroin and arrested three individuals, one of whom was a high-ranking 

member of the international DTO. The heroin seizure was reportedly the largest in the state of 

Ohio’s history. The Initiative’s cooperation and coordination with other HIDTAs throughout the 

country during this investigation has led to the indictment of several of the key members of this 

DTO. The resulting seizures and indictments are indicators of the initiative’s effectiveness in 

targeting CPOT-linked DTOs in the region. 

Tables 1-4 clearly reflect the nature of Ohio HIDTA’s enforcement efforts and 

demonstrate its effectiveness in achieving its targeted outcomes. In every instance, the Ohio 

HIDTA has produced significant results in its performance targets towards disrupting and 

dismantling DTOs operating within the Ohio HIDTA region. 

Page 15 
 

Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Core Table 5 - Drugs Removed from the Marketplace, 2005 

Ohio HIDTA Drugs R

Drug Seized (kg or D.U.) 

Heroin (kg) 

Cocaine HCL (kg) 

Crack cocaine (kg) 

Marijuana (kg) 

Marijuana plants and grows 

Methamphetamine (kg) 

Methamphetamine ice (kg) 

Ecstasy (MDMA) (D.U.s) 

emoved from the Mar

Amount Seized (kg 

or D.U.) 

ketplace in 2005 

Wholesale Value 

56.234 $3,655,210 

439.060 $11,901,556 

5.989 $199,912 

10283.980 $15,215,312 

1486.871 $3,416,619 

6.36 $163,499 

4.424 $154,840 

36385.000 $373,477 

Fentanyl (D.U.) 130,133 $65,066 

GHB (D.U.s) 416 $10,400 

Ketamine 56.700 $56,700 

LSD (D.U.s) 10 $30 

Marijuana (Hydroponic) (kg) 4225.450 $29,062,075 

Prescription Drugs (D.U.s) 13,433 $124,255 

Psilicybin Mushrooms (kg) 23.681 $829,020 

Khat (kg) 78 $3,510 

Total Wholesale Value $65,231,483 

Source: Ohio HIDTA CY2005 Initiative Reports; Ohio HIDTA Investigative Initiatives 

Drug seizures result in eliminating available supplies for DTOs to distribute, leaving 

them with nothing to sell. During CY 2005, the Ohio HIDTA seized more than $65 million in 

drugs, resulting in a significant impact on the region’s drug trade. Table 5 lists the wholesale 

values of the respective drugs seized by Ohio HIDTA initiatives, illustrating a highly accurate 

depiction of the economic impact of removing these drugs from the marketplace. By using this 

monetary measure, achieving the Ohio HIDTA’s goals is more clearly shown in terms of real 

dollar outcomes. 

The dismantlement of a multi-state, CPOT-linked DTO by the Ohio HIDTA’s South 

Central Drug Task Force illustrates the magnitude of cocaine distribution in the Ohio HIDTA 

region. The cooperative efforts of the South Central Drug Task Force and law enforcement 

agencies in Licking County, Ohio, led to the seizure of 127 kilograms of cocaine and $2.1 

million in drug assets. The seizure of 127 kilograms during a single event in central Ohio 

demonstrates the growing concern law enforcement has about the increase in cocaine distribution 

in Central Ohio and the belief that Columbus, Ohio has become a distribution point for cocaine 

to Central Ohio, Southern Ohio and West Virginia. 

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Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

For a second year, the Ohio HIDTA’s DEA Youngstown Initiative’s seizure of a large 

indoor marijuana growing operation in the region demonstrates the impact the Ohio HIDTA has 

on disrupting the flow of drugs in the region. The investigation of this grow operation 

culminated with the seizure of more than 4,000 high quality marijuana plants in 2005, the seizure 

in excess of $1.4 million in assets, and the arrest and indictment of five defendants. The 

dismantlement of such large-scale grow operations significantly disables the DTOs responsible 

for them. 

Pharmaceutical diversion investigations are unique in the fact that the vast majority of 

drugs involved in these scams have already been consumed and/or sold when a person is 

identified and arrested. These investigations often involve a “doctor shopper,” who is a person 

seeing multiple health professionals to obtain drugs using a variety of deception methods. Once 

the person is identified and arrested, he or she has oftentimes obtained hundreds, if not 

thousands, of illegal dosage units of pharmaceuticals. Oftentimes none of these drugs have been 

seized because the investigator follows a paper trail, much like the investigation of bogus checks. 

In order to accurately measure this crime, the investigator takes the known doses obtained 

through their profile and the admission of the defendant, if available. The combination of both 

gives the investigator an estimate of the amount of pharmaceuticals diverted. This estimate is 

almost always less than the actual statistics, but it is the most accurate calculation possible. For 

example, a diverter’s drug of choice is hydrocodone. When all of the known prescription 

profiles are compiled, the diverter has obtained 650 dosage units through his doctor shopping. In 

all likelihood, the defendant will confirm this total and may identify additional sources. Once all 

sources are compiled, the figure grows to 900 total dosage units during a six-month period. The 

900 dosage units of hydrocodone will then be used for the statistics as dosage units identified as 

diverted. 

Four of Ohio HIDTA’s Initiatives, the Akron/ Summit County HIDTA Initiative, the 

Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force, the Northeast Ohio Interdiction Task Force and 

the Southwest Ohio Regional Drug Task Force, conducted pharmaceutical diversion programs in 

2005. The only way to have an accurate picture of the impact of this crime is to assess the 

amount of drugs that are diverted, not seized, as in conventional drug enforcement. These four 

initiatives identified more than 1,000,000 dosage units of diverted pharmaceuticals in 2005. The 

amount is calculated through the investigative efforts of each initiative, oftentimes from the 

paper trail uncovered during the investigation. These dosage units are not seized 

pharmaceuticals and, therefore, are not listed in Table 5, Drugs Removed From the Marketplace. 

Ohio HIDTA’s pharmaceutical diversion programs can only be measured by the illegal 

flow of pharmaceuticals they have stopped. The more than 1,000,000 dosage units of diverted 

pharmaceuticals in 2005 has greatly disrupted current pharmaceutical abuse and serves as a 

strong deterrent for future illegal distribution of pharmaceuticals in the Ohio HIDTA region. 

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Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Core Table 6 - Return on Investment (ROI) for Drugs Removed from the Marketplace by 

Law Enforcement Initiatives, 2005 

Ohio Return on Investment (ROI) for Drugs Removed from the Marketplace by Law Enforcement Initiatives 

for 2005 

Year Budget Baseline Drug 

Wholesale Value 

Targeted Drug 

ROI 

Drug Wholesale Value Removed 

From Market 

Actual Drug 

ROI 

2005 $2,767,640.00 $22,101,342 $15 $65,231,483 $24 

Source: Ohio HIDTA CY2005 Initiative Reports; Ohio HIDTA Investigative Initiatives; Ohio HIDTA Budget 

Core Table 7 - Return on Investment (ROI) for Assets Removed from the Marketplace by 

Law Enforcement Initiatives, 2005 

Ohio Return on Investment (ROI) for Assets Removed from the Marketplace by Law Enforcement Initiatives for 2005 

Year Budget Baseline Value of Drug 

Assets 

Targeted Asset 

ROI 

Value of Drug Assets Removed from 

Market 

Actual Asset 

ROI 

Cash Other Assets Total 

2005 $2,767,640.00 $9,267,760 $4 $0.00 $26,438,360.00 $26,438,360.00 $10 

Source: Ohio HIDTA CY2005 Initiative Reports; Ohio HIDTA Investigative Initiatives; Ohio HIDTA Budget 

The removal of drugs and drug profits from DTOs cripples their ability to proliferate drug 

trafficking. Tables 6 and 7 demonstrate the efficiency of the Ohio HIDTA insofar as removing 

illicit drugs and drug profits from DTOs. As shown in Tables 6 and 7, the Ohio HIDTA used a 

three-year average as a baseline and analyzed the drug and assets seizures made in 2004 to 

calculate the targeted drug ROI and the targeted asset ROI for 2005, resulting in a targeted drug 

ROI of $15 and a targeted asset ROI of $4. 

The Ohio HIDTA initiatives’ seizures of $65,231,483 in drugs during CY 2005 

significantly reduced the availability and subsequent abuse of these drugs in the Ohio HIDTA 

region. The 2005 seizures are nearly three times the baseline and yield an outstanding Return on 

Investment (ROI) of $24 for every $1.00 of HIDTA funding invested in Ohio HIDTA law 

enforcement and intelligence initiatives. 

Ohio HIDTA initiatives seized $26,438,360 in drug assets during CY 2005, thereby 

reducing the financial gains of DTOs in the Ohio HIDTA region. This is nearly three times the 

baseline and yields an impressive ROI of $10 for every $1.00 of HIDTA funding invested in 

Ohio HIDTA law enforcement and intelligence initiatives. It is well recognized, of course, that 

additional law enforcement dollars from agencies outside HIDTA for such expenses as officer 

salaries, police overhead, and so forth, also contribute to drug seizures. Tables 6 and 7 do not 

attempt to calibrate such outside expenses, but are focused directly on what HIDTA spends. 

Page 18 
 

 

Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

One investigation illustrates the magnitude of assets available for seizure from just one 

DTO. The Ohio HIDTA’s Miami Valley Drug Task Force conducted an OCDETF investigation 

into an international DTO operating in the Dayton area, which has been responsible for 

distributing 3,000 lbs of marijuana every two to three weeks on average since they began 

operating in the area. The Initiative’s investigation resulted in the disruption of this DTO, which 

has been in existence for more than 20 years. Asset seizures to date have exceeded $7 million 

with the expectation that continued investigative efforts will lead to further seizures and arrests. 

The removal of $7 million dollars from any organization significantly impacts its ability to 

continue to operate successfully. 

Core Table 8 - Total Return on Investment (ROI) for Drugs and Assets Removed from the 

Marketplace by Law Enforcement Initiatives, 2005 

Ohio Total Return on Investment (ROI) for Drugs and Assets Removed from the Marketplace by Law Enforcement 

Initiatives for 2005 

Year 

2005 

Budget 

$2,767,640.00 

Drugs and 

Assets Baseline 

$31,369,102 

Targeted Total 

ROI 

$19 

Drugs and Assets Removed from 

Market 

$91,669,843 

Actual Total ROI 

$33 

Source: Ohio HIDTA CY2005 Initiative Reports; Ohio HIDTA Investigative 

Initiatives; Ohio HIDTA Budget. 

Reducing its profits cripples a DTO. Tables 6, 7, and 8 demonstrate the efficiency and 

effectiveness of the Ohio HIDTA in removing illicit drugs and drug profits from DTOs. As 

shown in Tables 6 and 7, the Ohio HIDTA calculated the targeted drug ROI for 2005 as $15 and 

the targeted asset ROI for 2005 as $4 as a expectation of the drug and asset seizures expected in 

2005; these figures were calculated through the analysis of drug and asset seizures made in 2004. 

In all, the Ohio HIDTA permanently removed more than $65 million in illicit drugs and 

more than $26 million in drug profits from the marketplace. When examined in budget terms, 

these seizures yield an impressive ROI of $33 for every $1.00 of HIDTA funding invested in 

Ohio HIDTA law enforcement and intelligence initiatives. This is a remarkable figure and 

reflects a 74% increase over the targeted total drug and asset ROI for 2005. These rates of return 

compare favorably to the most successful businesses in the private sector. Significant benefits to 

the communities of the Ohio HIDTA region were achieved at a low cost. 

Page 19 
Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Core Table 10 - Value of Clandestine Methamphetamine Labs Dismantled in 2005, by Size 

Ohio HIDTA Methamphetamine Laboratories Dismantled in 2005 

Meth Cost Per Ounce $2,000.00 

Lab Size ID/Targeted Dismantled Value of Labs Dismantled 

A. Less than 2 Oz 154 169 $676,000.00 

B. 2 - 8 Oz 16 18 $180,000.00 

C. 9 Oz - 1 Lb 0 0 $0.00 

D. 2 - 9 Lbs 0 0 $0.00 

E. 10 - 20 Lbs 0 0 $0.00 

F. Over 20 Lbs 0 0 $0.00 

Total 170 187 $856,000.00 

Source: Ohio HIDTA CY2005 Initiative Reports; Ohio HIDTA Investigative 

Initiatives 

Methamphetamine abuse is a continuing drug problem in the Ohio HIDTA region. In 

2005, methamphetamine laboratory-related seizures by Ohio HIDTA initiatives increased 58% 

from 2004. Ohio HIDTA initiatives continue to make it difficult for potential methamphetamine 

producers to acquire the necessary precursor materials and to set up the labs required to achieve 

their illegal objectives. At a local selling price of $2,000 per ounce on the street, Ohio HIDTA 

initiatives conservatively stopped the production of over $850,000 worth of raw 

methamphetamine in 2005. 

Within the Ohio HIDTA region, Summit County continues to be the hardest hit. Table 

10 shows that Ohio HIDTA initiatives targeted and dismantled 187 methamphetamine drug 

laboratories of various sizes, 86 of which were in Summit County. The Akron/Summit County 

HIDTA Initiative continues to lead the State of Ohio in methamphetamine-related sites, 

including clandestine laboratory operations, box labs and dump sites. In addition to the 

Initiative’s unparalleled efforts to identify and dismantle methamphetamine laboratories, the 

Initiative has instituted educational presentations as a part of its efforts. Methamphetamine 

awareness presentations are provided on an almost weekly basis to public service providers 

including police; fire fighters; children’s service workers; parole and probation officers; 

municipal service providers, including building inspectors; and the general public, including 

school staff and students, realtors, and community organizations. The Initiative’s educational 

effort to increase community awareness serves as a proactive deterrent to the dangers of 

methamphetamine in the region. 

Page 20 
Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Core Table 11 - Clandestine Laboratory Activities, 2005 

Ohio HIDTA Clandestine Activities in 2005 

Laboratory Dump 

Sites Seized 

Chemical/Glassware 

Equipment Seizures 

Persons Affected: 

Baseline 

13 

33 

# Projected 

24 

39 

# Identified 

27 

39 

% Identified 

112% 

100% 

Children 0 0 6 0% 

Source: Ohio HIDTA CY2005 Initiative Reports; Ohio HIDTA Investigative 

Initiatives 

Investigations involving clandestine laboratory activities result not only in the 

dismantlement of the actual laboratories, but also in the identification of laboratory dumpsites, 

the seizure of chemicals and glassware, and the identification of children affected by the 

treacherous clandestine activities of adults around them. Table 11 depicts the number of 

activities related to clandestine laboratories that were identified by Ohio HIDTA initiatives in 

2005. The baseline and projected numbers of children affected by clandestine laboratory 

activities are 0 this year, because this is the first year data on children affected has been 

collected. Because this category was added after the calendar year had ended, many initiatives 

did not track this information in 2005, therefore the number identified for 2005 is low. Future 

years will more accurately reflect the number of children affected by methamphetamine 

laboratory activities dismantled and seized by Ohio HIDTA initiatives. 

The Ohio HIDTA has developed customized strategies beyond the scope of the Core 

Tables to address specific threats encountered in the Ohio HIDTA region. Specific Ohio HIDTA 

initiatives address these threats through their investigative, intelligence, or interdiction efforts 

including proactive money-laundering intelligence development, fugitive apprehension, and 

proactive vehicle interdiction. The following represents the performance measures developed to 

demonstrate the effectiveness of Ohio HIDTA initiatives in these areas. 

Threat Specific Table A: Money Laundering/ Terrorist Funding Subject Referrals by Year 

Ohio HIDTA Money Laundering/Terrorism Funding 

Subjects Identified and Referred by Year 

Year # Subjects 

Reviewed 

# of Money 

Laundering/ 

Terrorism 

Funding 

Subjects 

Identified 

# of Money 

Laundering/ 

Terrorism 

Funding 

Subjects 

Referred 

% Referred of 

Identified 

2005 6035 44 20 45% 

Source: Ohio HIDTA CY2005 Initiative Reports; Ohio HIDTA Investigative 

Initiatives 

Page 21 
Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Threat Specific Table B: Money Laundering/ Terrorist Funding Organization 

Referrals by Year 

Ohio HIDTA Money Laundering/Terrorism Funding 

Organizations Identified and Referred by Year 

Year 

# 

Organizations 

Reviewed 

# of Money 

Laundering/ 

Terrorism 

Funding 

Organizations 

Identified 

# of Money 

Laundering/ 

Terrorism 

Funding 

Organizations 

Referred 

% Referred of 

Identified 

2005 20 13 5 38% 

Source: Ohio HIDTA CY2005 Initiative Reports; Ohio HIDTA Investigative 

Initiatives 

The Ohio HIDTA’s Money Laundering Intelligence Initiative and Akron/Summit County 

HIDTA Initiative have been engaged in the proactive, intelligence-led analysis of potential 

money laundering subjects and organizations in 2005. This process identifies significant moneylaundering targets in the Ohio HIDTA region through the review and analysis of various 

financial sources. As depicted in Threat Specific Table A, these Initiatives reviewed over 6,000 

subjects resulting in the identification of 44 potential money launderers. Over 45% of those 

subjects identified as significant were referred to other initiatives or participating agencies for 

investigation. As investigative initiatives, the Money Laundering Intelligence Initiative and the 

Akron Summit County HIDTA Initiative retained the remaining identified subjects for 

investigation by their own Initiatives. The Initiatives also reviewed organizations to identify 

potential money laundering organizations. As Threat Specific Table B depicts, 20 organizations 

were reviewed, resulting in the identification of 13 potential money-laundering/terrorism funding 

organizations. Nearly 40% of those significant organization identified were referred to other 

initiatives or agencies for investigation. Again, as investigative initiatives, the Money 

Laundering Intelligence Initiative and the Akron/Summit County HIDTA Initiative retained the 

remaining identified organizations for investigation by their own Initiatives. This intelligenceled policing significantly bolsters the capacity of Ohio HIDTA initiatives and their participating 

agencies to disrupt and dismantle money-laundering and terrorism-funding organizations 

operating within the Ohio HIDTA region. 

Page 22 
 

Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Threat Specific Table C: Fugitives Targeted and Apprehended by Year 

Year 

2005 

Ohio 

# Identified 

3852 

HIDTA Fugitives Targeted and Apprehended by Year 

# Targeted 

3151 

% Targeted of 

Identified 

82% 

# Apprehended 

1400 

Apprehended % of 

Targeted 

44% 

Source: Ohio HIDTA CY2005 Initiative Reports; Ohio HIDTA Investigative 

Initiatives 

The apprehension of fugitives impacts communities by effectively removing criminals 

from neighborhoods. Ohio HIDTA Initiatives are actively involved in the apprehension of 

fugitives in the Ohio HIDTA region. As depicted in Threat Specific Table C, Ohio HIDTA 

Initiatives apprehended nearly 1400 fugitives in 2005. While just 44% of the targeted fugitives 

were apprehended as a result of manpower restrictions, the total number of fugitives 

apprehended increased by 56% over the number of fugitives apprehended in 2004. 

Threat Specific Table D: Vehicle Interdictions by Year 

Ohio HIDTA Vehicle Interdiction by Year 

Baseline # # Commercial # Passenger % Change in Total # Vehicle Year Vehicles Vehicles Vehicle Vehicles Interdicted Interdictions Interdicted Interdicted Interdicted from Baseline 

2005 471 178 672 850 +80% 

Source: Ohio HIDTA CY2005 Initiative Reports; Ohio HIDTA Investigative 

Initiatives 

Law enforcement agencies can never measure the crime they prevent. However, logic 

dictates that the mere presence of law enforcement deters crime. The vehicle interdiction 

components of Ohio HIDTA initiatives represent those law enforcement efforts, which cannot 

easily quantify the effect they have on a community. As shown in Threat Specific Table D, the 

number of interdictions for 2005 resulted in 80% more than the baseline. 

The Ohio HIDTA’s Commercial Vehicle Intelligence Initiative continues as an 

impressive presence on Ohio’s interstates, which by geography are situated as crossroads for 

transshipment by both legitimate businesses and drug-trafficking organizations. A commercial 

vehicle interdiction in March 2005 by the Commercial Vehicle Intelligence Initiative working in 

conjunction with the Ohio State Highway Patrol gives an example of the seizures that result from 

these proactive interdictions. The Initiative interdicted a tractor-trailer carrying a load of 

vegetables along Interstate 70. Numerous indicators of drug trafficking were present during the 

interdiction. An Ohio State Highway Patrol canine team was utilized, which resulted in an alert 

to the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed more than 2,300 pounds of marijuana concealed 

in the load of vegetables. The case was referred to DEA for further investigation and 

prosecution. 

While seizures such as this are a measurable indicator of the effectiveness of vehicle 

interdiction, these coordinated, proactive interdiction efforts have an immeasurable impact on all 

Page 23 
 

 

Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

vehicle traffic. To that end, the initiative must logically have an immeasurable impact upon 

DTOs transporting narcotics via both commercial and passenger vehicles through the Ohio 

HIDTA region. 

Performance Measures for Goal 2 

Core Table 12 – Ohio HIDTA Training Efficiency by Year and Type of Training 

Ohio HIDTA Training Efficiency 

# Students 

Expected for 

Training 

# Students 

Actually Trained 

# Training Hours 

Actually Provided 

Total Training 

Cost Training Cost per Hour 

Type of Training 

2004 2005 2004 2005 2004 2005 2004 2005 2004 2005 % Change 

2004-2005 

Analytical/ 

Computer 301 586 233 340 1731 3102 $11,996 $28,990 $6.93 $9.35 35% 

Investigative/ 

Interdiction 760 840 616 1648 8656 25,474 $8,335 $49,597 $0.96 $1.95 103% 

Management/ 

Administrative 10 15 10 20 160 440 $7,165 $8,253 $44.78 $18.76 -58% 

Other: Conferences 28 28 28 14 864 316 $30,091 $10,757 $34.83 $34.04 -2% 

Other: Seminars 4 5 4 6 160 120 $5,927 $1,811 $37.04 $15.10 -59% 

Total 1103 1474 891 2028 11571 29,4,52 $63,514 $99,408 $5.48 $3.37 -39% 

Source: Ohio HIDTA Training Initiative 

Training is essential to improving both the efficiency and effectiveness of Ohio HIDTA 

operations. In 2005, the Ohio HIDTA more than doubled the number of students provided 

training from the previous year to 2,028 for a total of 29,452 classroom hours. This was 

accomplished with only a 50% increase in the training cost, which actually resulted in a 40% 

reduction in the training cost per hour for this tremendous training effort. The Ohio HIDTA’s 

training program is designed to improve students’ computer and analytical skills, bolster their 

investigative and interdiction knowledge, and develop their managerial abilities. This training, 

which cost Ohio HIDTA on average $3.37 per hour in 2005, was provided free of charge to Ohio 

HIDTA assigned and participating agency personnel. The vast majority of this training would not 

have been available to law enforcement in the region without Ohio HIDTA support and funding. 

The Ohio HIDTA has become a recognized asset in the region for effective and enriching 

training opportunities to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. 

Page 24 
 

 

Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Core Table 13 - Percentage of Ohio HIDTA Initiatives Using Event and Case Deconfliction 

Services, 2005 

Ohio HIDTA Deconfliction Services by Year 

Year Total HIDTA 

Initiatives 

# Initiatives 

Targeted to Use 

Services 

# Initiatives 

Using 

% Initiatives 

Using 

2005 13 13 13 100% 

Source: Ohio HIDTA CY2005 Initiative Reports; Ohio HIDTA ISC. 

Core Table 14 - Percentage of Event and Case Deconflictions Submitted, 2005 

Ohio HIDTA Deconfliction Submissions by Year 

Year 

Baseline # 

Deconflictions 

Submitted 

# Deconfliction 

Submissions 

Targeted 

# Event 

Deconflictions 

Submitted 

# Case/Subject 

Deconflictions 

Submitted 

Total 

Deconflictions 

Submitted 

% Deconflictions 

Submitted 

2005 2669 2750 2326 2728 5054 184% 

Source: Ohio HIDTA ISC. 

Separate law enforcement initiatives, while aggressively pursuing suspects or covering an 

event, can easily cross paths in the field. This can be dangerous if either party is unaware of the 

other. In a “best case” scenario, it merely results in harmless interference. At worst, however, it 

could cost an officer his or her life in a dangerous encounter. Thus, information, which can serve 

to deconflict such potential encounters, is vital to well-coordinated policing. The Ohio HIDTA 

provides such information through its Investigative Support Center. As in past years, of the 13 

Ohio HIDTA initiatives eligible to use Ohio HIDTA deconfliction services, all took advantage of 

these valuable tools. Recognizing the importance and necessity of officer safety through 

deconfliction, the Ohio HIDTA has successfully offered deconfliction to other agencies 

throughout Ohio, adding a significant component to operational safety that is not otherwise 

available in the state. Table 13 and 14 depict how well Ohio HIDTA initiatives and participating 

agencies used these services in 2005. Event and case/subject deconflictions were 84% higher 

than expected submissions. These services promote officer safety, conserve resources, and help 

to coordinate investigations. 

Page 25 
 

Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Core Table 15 - Percentage of Investigations Provided Analytical Support, 2005 

OhioHIDTA Investigations Supported by Year 

Year 

Baseline # 

Investigations 

Receiving 

Analytical Support 

# Investigations 

Targeted for 

Analytical Support 

# Investigations 

Provided 

Analytical Support 

% Targeted 

Investigations 

Supported 

2005 48 60 54 90% 

Source: Ohio HIDTA ISC. 

Table 15 depicts the significant analytical support provided by the Ohio HIDTA 

Investigative Support Center (ISC) to other initiatives and participating agencies. Analytical 

support to investigations in the Ohio HIDTA region has become an integral part in most complex 

investigations. Analysts routinely provide support to investigative initiatives and participating 

agencies, which includes telephone toll analysis, link analysis, biographical research, and 

documents analysis. Table 15 shows the number of investigations provided with analytical 

support in 2005 was 90% of the number of investigations targeted for analytical support. Table 

15 reflects the number of investigations provided support, but cannot capture the depth of 

support required for each investigation. In 2005, ISC analysts provided support to more 

complex, long-term investigations than in previous years, which required more of their time and 

attention. This analytical support is essential to Ohio HIDTA Goal 2 of improving efficiency and 

effectiveness through information sharing and coordinated intelligence. While the Ohio HIDTA 

did not support the anticipated number of requests for analytical support, every request for 

analytical support was met and in every instance the ISC was able to provide this service. 

Core Table 16 - Percentage of Ohio HIDTA Initiative Investigations Referred to Other 

HIDTAs and Other Agencies, 2005 

Ohio HIDTA Affiliated Cases Referred by Year 

Year 

Total HIDTA 

Initiative 

Investigations 

# Initiative 

Investigations 

Targeted for 

Referral 

# HIDTA Initiative 

Investigations 

Referred to Other 

HIDTAs 

# HIDTA Initiative 

Investigations 

Referred to Other 

Agencies 

Total Initiative 

Investigations 

Referred 

% Targeted 

Initiative 

Investigations 

Referred 

2005 1039 132 38 94 132 100% 

Source: Ohio HIDTA CY2005 Initiative Reports. 

Table 16 clearly depicts the positive outcome achieved by Ohio HIDTA initiatives in the 

areas of Affiliated Case Referrals. As primarily “market areas” for drug trafficking, the Ohio 

HIDTA region provides a wealth of intelligence and investigative information to other law 

enforcement partners throughout the country, allowing other HIDTA and non-HIDTA agencies 

to pursue investigations in their jurisdictions. Many of Ohio HIDTA’s initiatives routinely 

provide referral information resulting in spin-off investigations throughout the country. In 2005 

Ohio HIDTA investigators referred 132 investigations either to other HIDTA regions or other 

agencies for closer scrutiny and subsequent action. 

Page 26 
 

 

 

Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

VII. Conclusions 

CY 2005 marks the second year that the Ohio HIDTA has reported initiative operational 

targets and subsequent outcomes using the Performance Management Process (PMP) efficiency 

and effectiveness performance measurement tables spread throughout this Annual Report. This 

report depicts the success of Ohio HIDTA’s initiatives in their effectiveness and efficiency in 

meeting both Ohio HIDTA goals. Drug availability is being significantly reduced, DTOs are 

being disrupted and dismantled (Goal 1), and these accomplishments are being done efficiently, 

effectively and at less budgetary cost through HIDTA-sponsored training and information 

sharing (Goal 2). 

Ohio HIDTA initiatives have substantially reduced illegal drug availability in this region. 

Some highlights include seizing over 430 kilograms of cocaine, over 10,000 kilograms of 

commercial grade marijuana, more than 4,000 high quality marijuana plants, more than 36,000 

ecstasy units, more than 13,000 illicit prescription drug units, plus significant quantities of other 

drugs. These seizures equated to more than $65 million in value; this represents a staggering 

amount removed from the market place. These seizures, coupled with drug-asset seizures 

exceeding $26 million, have significantly impacted DTOs’ abilities to operate in this region. 

Ohio HIDTA initiatives dismantled 187 clandestine methamphetamine laboratories. Seventyeight DTOs were either severely disrupted or totally put out of business. Overall, DTOs within 

the Ohio HIDTA region have been severely impacted by nearly $92 million in seized drugs and 

assets. All this was accomplished with an impressive return on investment of $33.00 for every 

$1.00 of the budget expended for law enforcement and intelligence initiatives. 

In the seven years the Ohio HIDTA has been in existence, there has been a steady 

positive increase in the number of initiatives, the number of participant agencies,and the amount 

of information sharing through the Ohio HIDTA Deconfliction and Analytical Units, the number 

of interactions between law enforcement and intelligence activities. There has also been a 

significant increase in cooperative, efficient and effective interagency effort. Technology is also 

facilitating this behavioral transition. Each year more initiatives are connecting to the ISC and 

each other via the Ohio HIDTA Wide Area Network (WAN) to share data and facilitate joint law 

enforcement and intelligence initiatives. 

With support from the Ohio HIDTA Investigative Support Center, law enforcement 

initiatives operating throughout Ohio HIDTA’s eleven counties continue to make significant 

progress in identifying, investigating, and dismantling the most dangerous and prolific drug 

dealers and money launderers operating in the region. As the tables and charts presented 

throughout this report demonstrate, Ohio HIDTA initiatives have achieved Goal 1 and Goal 2 

objectives. 

Cooperation and communication between the participating federal, state, and local law 

enforcement personnel continues to be the cornerstone of the success of the Ohio HIDTA. Law 

enforcement agencies in the Ohio HIDTA region are working together more effectively and 

efficiently. Investigative intelligence is reaching the people who need it. Traditional barriers 

among different law enforcement agencies have been eroded sufficiently enough so that these 

entities can find a common ground to pursue common goals. Real and tangible progress is being 

made in addressing illicit drug trafficking. The Ohio HIDTA has significantly contributed to 

achieving these outcomes. The results set forth in this CY 2005 Annual Report reflect that the 

Page 27 
Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Ohio HIDTA significantly and positively impacts the Ohio HIDTA region through a cooperative 

and cost-efficient approach to law enforcement. 

Page 28 
 

Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

VIII. Appendices 

A. Table of Organization for the HIDTA 

B. Table listing composition of Executive Board showing local, state, and federal affiliation 

C. List of participating agencies 

D. HIDTA PMP Matrix 

E. HIDTA Initiatives 

IX. List of Tables and Charts 

Chart 1 – Breakdown of Participating Agencies...........................................................3 

Chart 2 – Breakdown of Participating Agency Personnel................................................3 

Core Table 1 - DTOs Disrupted or Dismantled, 2005.................................................................. 10 

Core Table 2 - Percentage of DTOs Disrupted or Dismantled by Scope, 2005 ........................... 10 

Core Table 3 - Percentage of Money Laundering Organizations Disrupted or Dismantled by 

Scope, 2005........................................................................................................................... 11 

Core Table 4 - Operational Scope of All DTO Cases Initiated, 2005 .......................................... 11 

Core Table 5 - Drugs Removed from the Marketplace, 2005..........................................16 

Core Table 6 - Return on Investment (ROI) for Drugs Removed from the Marketplace by Law 

Enforcement Initiatives, 2005............................................................................................... 18 

Core Table 7 - Return on Investment (ROI) for Assets Removed from the Marketplace by Law 

Enforcement Initiatives, 2005............................................................................................... 18 

Core Table 8 - Total Return on Investment (ROI) for Drugs and Assets Removed from the 

Marketplace by Law Enforcement Initiatives, 2005............................................................. 19 

Core Table 10 - Value of Clandestine Methamphetamine Labs Dismantled in 2005, by Size .... 20 

Core Table 11 - Clandestine Laboratory Activities, 2005 ............................................................ 21 

Threat Specific Table A: Money Laundering/ Terrorist Funding Subject Referrals, 2005.........21 

Threat Specific Table B: Money Laundering/ Terrorist Funding Organization Referrals, 2005..22 

Threat Specific Table C: Fugitives Targeted and Apprehended, 2005................................23 

Threat Specific Table D: Vehicle Interdictions, 2005....................................................23 

Core Table 12 - Ohio HIDTA Training Efficiency by Year and Type of Training...................... 24 

Core Table 13 - Percentage of Ohio HIDTA Initiatives Using Event and Case Deconfliction 

Services, 2005....................................................................................................................... 25 

Core Table 14 - Percentage of Event and Case Deconflictions Submitted, 2005......................... 25 

Core Table 15 - Percentage of Investigations Provided Analytical Support, 2005 ...................... 26 

Core Table 16 - Percentage of Ohio HIDTA Initiative Investigations Referred to Other HIDTAs 

and Other Agencies, 2005..................................................................................................... 26
 

Page 29 
2005 OHIO HIDTA PMP MATRIX 

GOAL 1 - Disrupt the Market for Illegal Drugs by Dismantling or Disrupting Drug Trafficking Organizations 

THREAT ASSESSMENT STRATEGY & BUDGET 

INVESTIGATIVE/INTERDICTION INTEL- LIGENCE ADMINIS- TRATIVE 

TA

GEOGRAPHIC 

AREA THREAT DESCRIPTION SOURCE PERFORMANCE TARGETS 

SUMMIT Y AKRON/ COUNT

INITIATIVE

CARIBBEAN GANG DRUG

TASK FORCE

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

INTELLIGENCE INITIATIVE

DEA YOUNGSTOWN TASK 

FORCE 

MAHONING VALLEY DRUG 

TASK FORCE

MI I ALLEY ASK AM V DRUG T

FORCE

MONEY LAUNDERING

/INTELLIGENCE INITIATIVE

NORTHEAST OHIO

INTERDICTION TASK FORCE

NORTHWEST OHIO TASK

FORCE

SOUTH CENTRAL DRUG

TASK FORCE

SOUTHWEST OHIO REGIONAL

TASK FORCE

STARK COUNTY VIOLENT

CRIMES INITIATIVE

TOLEDO METRO DRUG TASK 

FORCE

INVESTIGATIVE SUPPORT

CENTER 

MANAGEMENT AND 

COORDINATION

TRAINING 

OHIO HIDTA REGION

HIDTA- TARGETED THREAT 

There are international multi-drug DTOs operating in the Ohio 

HIDTA Region 

DTO Report and Threat Assessment 

Target 100% of identified international DTOs and dismantle or 

disrupt 50% of those targeted (Core 1, 2) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Initiatives 

DTOs an

There are multi-state multi-drug DTOs operating in the Ohio HIDTA 

Region 

Target 100% of identified multistate DTOs and dismantle or 

disrupt 50% of those targeted (Core 1, 2) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Initiative

DTOs an

There are local multi-drug DTOs operating in the Ohio HIDTA 

Region 

Target 100% of identified local DTOs and dismantle or disrupt 

50% of those targeted (Core 1, 2) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Initiative

and d

There are drug and non-drug Money Laundering Organizations 

operating in the Ohio HIDTA Region 

Target 100% of identified drug and non-drug money laundering DTOs and dismantle or disrupt 50% of those identified(Core 3) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Initiat

Laund

d

Refer 100% of the Money Laundering/ Terrorist Funding Subjects 

Identified for Investigation (Threat Specific A) √ √ √ √

Initiatives 

Terr

investiga

id

Refer 100% of the Money Laundering/ Terrorist Funding 

Organizations Identified for Investigation (Threat Specific B) √ √ √ √

Initiatives 

Terrori

inve

organizat

The operational scope of DTOs operating in the Ohio HIDTA 

region reaches national and international levels. 

Open 33% of the investigations into the targeted DTOs as 

OCDETF Cases (Core 4 & additional chart) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ 29% of 

Multi-kilogram quantities of illegal drugs are trafficked within and 

throughout the Ohio HIDTA region ROI of $15 for drugs seized (Core 5, 6) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Initiative

the ROI 

allocated 

Millions of dollars of illegal dangerous drug money flows through 

the Ohio HIDTA Region ROI of $4 for assets seized (Core 7) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Initiativ

assets; t

$1 of allo

Multi-kilogram quantities of illegal drugs and millions of dollars of 

assets are trafficked within and throughout the Ohio HIDTA region ROI of $19 for drugs and assets seized (Core 8) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Initiativ

drug a

allocated 

Ohio serves as a production and distribution area for 

methamphetamine. 

Dismantle more than 100 clandestine laboratories (Core 10) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Initiatives 

with 

Identify 13 Laboratory Dump Sites (Core 11) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Initiativ

Effect 30 Chemical/Glassware Seizures (Core 11) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Initiative 

Identify 0 Children Affected by Clandestine Activities(Core 11) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Initia

 The Ohio HIDTA region serves as a prime area of opportunity for 

the transportation and distribution of illicit drugs through the 

utilization of major interstate highways. 

Interdict more than 1460 commercial and non-commercial 

vehicles (Threat Specific D) √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Initiatives 

Violent Fugitives are believed to reside in the Ohio HIDTA Region. Apprehend more than 3150 fugitives (Threat Specific C) √ √ √ √ √ √ Initiativ

increase o

Pharmaceuticals are illegally distributed and obtained in the Ohio 

HIDTA region. 

End the distribution of more than 0 calculated dosage units of 

diverted pharmaceuticals. √ √ √ √ √ Initiativ

1,000,0

NON HIDTA-

TARGETED

THREAT Illegal drugs are smuggled on the St. Lawrence seaway on merchant vessels and pleasure craft. Threat

Assessment Currently handled by a non-HIDTA group. 

*Understanding that 2005 is a transitional year, the performance 

targets for the 2005 Matrix have been adjusted to accommodate implementing the PMP process. 
Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Appendix B 

Appendix B - Executive Board Members 

2005 Ohio HIDTA Executive Board Members 

Name Agency Affiliation 

Chief Michael Matulavich Akron Police Department Local 

SAC Christopher Sadowski Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Federal 

Chief Dean McKimm Canton Police Department Local 

Chief Mike McGrath Cleveland Division of Police Local 

Chief Doug Berkhart Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department Local 

ASAC Anthony Marotta Drug Enforcement Administration Federal 

SAC Ted Wasky Federal Bureau of Investigation Federal 

ASAC Anthony Macisco Immigration & Customs Enforcement Federal 

SAC Vincent Williams Internal Revenue Service Federal 

Superintendent John Monce Ohio Bureau of Criminal Ident. & Investigation State 

Chief Walter Ugrinic Shaker Heights Police Department Local 

Captain Wes Bombrys Toledo Police Department Local 

U.S. Attorney Greg White U.S. Attorney's Office Federal 

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott U.S. Marshal's Office Federal 

SAC Mike Bilinovich U.S. Secret Service Federal 

Sheriff Tom Ariss Warren County Sheriff's Office Local 

Chief Robert Bush Youngstown Police Department Local 

Lt. Col. Tom Beckman * Ohio National Guard State 

AUSA Ron Bakeman * U.S. Attorney's Office Federal 

AUSA Bob Brichler * U.S. Attorney's Office Federal 

* - ex-officio member 

Page 1 
Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Appendix C 

Appendix C- 2005 Ohio HIDTA Participating Agencies 

Agency 

Adult Parole Authority 

Akron Police Department 

Allen County Sheriff's Office 

Alliance Police Department 

Austintown Police Department 

Barberton Police Department 

BATF 

Bath Police Department 

Beaver Twp. Police Department 

Boardman Police Department 

Brook Park Police Department 

Canfield Police Department 

Canton Police Department 

City of Shaker Heights (HIDTA) 

Cleveland Heights Police Department 

Cleveland Police Department 

Columbus Police Department 

Copley Police Department 

Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office 

Cuyahoga Falls Police Department 

Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority 

Dayton Police Department 

DEA 

Delaware County Sheriff's Office 

Euclid Police Department 

FBI 

Findlay Police Department 

Franklin County Sheriff's Office 

Geagua County Sheriff’s Office 

Goshen Police Department 

Green Fire Dept 

Greene County Sheriff's Office 

Hancock County Sheriff's Office 

Hubbard Police Department 

Huber Heights Police Department 

ICE 

Independence Police Department 

IRS 

Jackson Twp. Police Department 

Lake County Narcotics 

Lancaster Police Department 

Lorain Police Department 

Lucas County Sheriff's Office 

Page 1 
Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Appendix C 

Mahoning County Prosecutor's Office 

Mahoning County Sheriff's Office 

Massillon Police Department 

Maumee Police Department 

Medina County Sheriff's Office 

Milton Twp. Police Department 

Monroe County Sheriff's Office 

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office 

Montville Police Department 

Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation 

Ohio Department of Public Safety 

Ohio National Guard 

Ohio State Board of Pharmacy 

Ohio State Highway Patrol 

Orange Village Police Department 

Oregon Police Department 

Perkins Twp. Police Department 

Perry Twp. Police Department 

Pickering Police Department 

Poland Twp. Police Department 

Poland Village Police Department 

Regional Transit Authority 

Richfield Police Department 

Rocky River Police Department 

Salem Police Department 

Shaker Heights Police Department 

Springfield Twp. Police Department 

Stark County Sheriff's Office 

Stark Metro Drug Unit 

Stow Police Department 

Strongsville Police Department 

Struthers Police Department 

Summit County Executive Office 

Summit County Sheriff's Office 

Sylvania Police Department 

The NE Hamilton County Drug Task Force (DART) 

Toledo Police Department 

Trotwood Police Department 

Twinsburg Police Department 

U.S. Attorney's Office 

U.S. Marshal’s Office 

U.S. Postal Service 

U.S. Secret Service 

United States Department of Agriculture 

University of Akron 

Warren County Drug Task Force 

Warren Police Department 

Page 2 
Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Appendix C 

Waterville Police Department 

Wood County Sheriff's Office 

Woodmere Village Police Department 

Youngstown Police Department 

Youngstown State University Police Department 

Page 3 
Appendix A - CY 2005 Ohio HIDTA 

Organization Chart
 

Caribbean/Gang 

Drug Task Force 

Mahoning Valley 

Drug Task Force 

Akron/Summit 

County HIDTA 

Initiative 

DEA Youngstown 

Initiative 

Northeast Ohio 

Interdiction Task 

Force 

N

D

Subcommittees 

ISC/Intelligence 

Subcommittee 

Budget/Initiatives 

Subcommittee 

Management & Coordination Initiative 

Fiscal Agent 

FBI Supervisor 

Money Laundering/ 

Intelligence 

Initiative 

Technical Equipment 

Subcommittee 

Rules 

Subcommittee 

Staff Assistants (2) 

Commercial 

Vehicle/Intell. 

Initiative 

Deputy Director 

ISC Coordinator 

Training Initiative 

Training Assist

(part-time) 

Training 

Coordinator 

Miami Valley Drug 

Task Force S

Reg

Sou

Fiscal Assistant 

(part-time) 

Ohio HIDTA Executive Board 

(17 Members) 

Investigative Initiatives 

Ohio HIDTA Executive Director 

DEA Supervisory Intelligence 

Research Specialist 

Local/State Supervisor 

ONDCP Director 
Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Appendix E 

Appendix E - HIDTA Initiatives 

Akron/Summit County HIDTA Initiative – The mission of the Akron/Summit 

County HIDTA Initiative is to develop a cooperative effort to substantially reduce 

the impact of organized drug-trafficking activity in the greater Akron/Summit 

County area by combining the resources of local, state, and federal law enforcement 

agencies. A special investigative emphasis will be placed on targeting drugtrafficking organizations whose multi-layered, complex, conspiratorial relationships 

have resisted traditional investigative and prosecutorial efforts against their 

membership. 

The initiative will continue to combine the Greater Akron Drug Task Force’s and 

Summit County Drug Unit’s manpower resources and its detailed knowledge of local 

drug distribution networking with FBI and DEA intelligence. In addition, the DEA 

will bring its experience in undercover operations and the FBI will apply its 

electronic surveillance expertise to investigative efforts by the initiative. The 

initiative will continue to focus on disrupting and dismantling drug-trafficking 

organizations that have the greatest impact on the community. In addition, this 

initiative will seize each opportunity to engage interagency resources where multijurisdictional distribution networks are identified. 

Money laundering and identification of organizational assets are essential elements 

of the investigations. Cocaine continues to be the drug of choice in the Akron area 

while methamphetamine continues to increase in prevalence. Investigative 

techniques include all traditional methods such as controlled purchases of drugs, 

surveillance, and more sophisticated techniques such as Title III investigations. 

Caribbean/Gang Drug Task Force- The Caribbean/Gang Drug Task Force is a multiagency cooperative effort designed to undermine the impact of organized drugtrafficking activity through the identification, investigation, and prosecution of the 

leaders of such organizations. A special emphasis is placed on dismantling those 

groups exhibiting violence and conspiratorial relationships as a means of furthering 

their illegal activities. 

The primary investigative focus is multi-agency investigations of organized groups, 

or organized criminal organizations, which are involved in the trafficking of large 

quantities of drugs, whose organizational influence crosses state and/or local 

jurisdictional boundaries and whose mode of operations involves conspiratorial 

relationships, often including violence. These organizations typically have a chief 

source of cash derived from large-scale narcotics trafficking due to the size and 

complexity of the organization. The task force frequently employs appropriate 

sophisticated investigative techniques, which includes electronic surveillance, pen 

registers, and GPS tracking devices to attack the entire scope of the targeted drugtrafficking organization. The task force fully interacts, utilizes, and shares 

information with the Ohio HIDTA Investigative Support Center. 

Page 1 
Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Appendix E 

Commercial Vehicle Intelligence Initiative – The mission of the HIDTA Commercial 

Vehicle/Intelligence Initiative, code-named “Operation Weigh-In,” is to develop and 

assist with criminal investigations and related enforcement operations that focus on 

organized drug-trafficking activities as well as the identification and seizure of 

financial assets derived from narcotics proceeds. The emphasis of this HIDTA 

initiative is to gather intelligence on drug-trafficking and money-laundering 

organizations utilizing commercial vehicles to transport their product to and through 

the State of Ohio, specifically the current eleven-county HIDTA-designated areas. 

Central to this mission is an enhanced emphasis on the disruption of drug-trafficking 

organizations and the seizure of financial assets through the sharing and coordination 

of investigative activities with ongoing Ohio HIDTA initiatives, other law 

enforcement agencies, and HIDTAs on the national level. 

Due to the fact that this initiative is spread out over the State of Ohio, the participants 

cannot be collocated for logistical reasons. However, the initiative shares all 

information developed with the other HIDTA initiatives in a timely manner. The 

members of this initiative meet regularly at target locations based on mutual 

agreement and intelligence developed from previous “blitzes.” 

DEA Youngstown Task Force – The mission of the DEA Youngstown Task Force 

(DEAYTF) is to disrupt the flow of illicit drugs in and around the Mahoning Valley 

and the Ohio HIDTA region. The objectives are to gather and report intelligence and 

to immobilize targeted violators and organizations at the highest levels. To 

accomplish this end, the DEAYTF pursues a coordinated federal, state, and local 

drug enforcement effort through the use of a myriad of overt and covert investigative 

techniques. The goals are the arrest and prosecution of violators, the seizure of 

drugs, and the forfeiture of assets in the Federal and State Courts of Ohio and 

beyond. The measure of success is a reduction in drugs and violence, which will 

result in an improved quality of life in the Mahoning Valley. 

The initiative started as a point of contact between agencies in the Mahoning Valley 

and DEA. The size and scope of the initiative has grown with DEA presence, as well 

as full-time task force members dedicated to the development of OCDETF 

investigations. In addition, the task force targets mid-level traffickers via controlled 

purchases of evidence as a means to move into long-term cases. Recently, the task 

force has expanded into drug interdiction by targeting parcel services and bus 

terminals. These investigators have yielded numerous seizures, many of which can 

be documented back to targeted DTOs in our area. 

The program does not target street violators but instead targets mid and upper-level 

traffickers. The task force utilizes the availability of DEA resources to purchase 

evidence and pay confidential sources. The task force can work from mid-level 

purchases of controlled substances up to Title III intercepts. In addition, via the use 

of the K-9 supported interdiction team, the task force is able to utilize seized parcels 

and transportation seizures to enhance other law enforcement efforts. 

Page 2 
Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Appendix E 

Investigative Support Center Initiative– The ISC provides tactical, operational, and 

strategic intelligence support to the Ohio HIDTA investigative and interdiction 

initiatives as well as to other participating agencies. The Deconfliction Center within 

the ISC handles all event and subject deconflictions and performs numerous law 

enforcement and public databases checks. The Analytical Unit within the ISC 

provides operational case support primarily in the form of telephone toll analysis, 

link analysis, biographical research, and post-seizure analysis. The Analytical Unit 

also provides strategic support in the form of the annual Threat Assessment and 

Intelligence Bulletins. The Analytical Unit is also responsible for drafting the 

Annual Report, the Initiative Budgets and Descriptions, and the annual Strategy. 

The ISC Coordinator is responsible for the management of the ISC and is assisted by 

an FBI Supervisor and a DEA Intelligence Analyst Supervisor in the everyday 

supervision of the analysts and personnel assigned to the ISC. The ISC has 

developed and maintained a strong internship program over the past five years. In 

2005, two interns from Mercyhurst College and two interns from Baldwin Wallace 

College assisted the ISC. In the fall, the ISC hosted its annual two-day intelligence 

symposium with more than 125 analysts and investigators from local, state and 

federal law enforcement agencies attending, including participants from other 

HIDTAs in the Great Lakes Region. The ISC’s structure and design is everchanging as are the personnel assigned from the participating agencies. These 

changes improve the ISC and assist in homeland security. 

Management and Coordination Initiative– The Management and Coordination 

Initiative consists of the Executive Director, the Fiscal Agent, the Assistant to the 

Fiscal Agent, and the Staff Assistant/Office Manager. The Director supervises the 

everyday management of the Ohio HIDTA and delegates certain responsibilities to 

the other staff members. The Fiscal Agent and Assistant to the Fiscal Agent manage 

the financial function of the office, which includes, but is not limited to, the 

preparation of the budget and the accounting of all financial transactions. The Staff 

Assistant/Office Manager coordinates the daily activities of the Director and other 

staff members and administers office matters. In addition, a Deputy Director and a 

Staff Assistant are located in southern Ohio to handle the administrative duties 

pertaining to the six new southern counties. They are budgeted under the South 

Central Drug Task Force, because in 2005 the supplemental funding for the six new 

counties was not part of the baseline funding. 

Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force – The mission of the Mahoning 

Valley Law Enforcement Task Force (MVLETF) is to reduce all levels of drug 

trafficking and violent crime associated with drug trafficking. The task force is made 

up of two units, the Criminal Gang Unit and the Drug Unit. The task force disrupts 

and dismantles high-level and mid-level drug-trafficking organizations operating in 

the greater Mahoning Valley area. The Gang Unit addresses violent gangs that rely 

on the drug trade to support their existence. To accomplish this, the task force uses a 

myriad of covert and overt investigative techniques, working together with local, 

state and federal authorities. The goals of the operations are to arrest and convict 

Page 3 
Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Appendix E 

principle offenders, seize their contraband and assets, and conduct money-laundering 

investigations. Utilizing the Investigative Support Center (ISC) enhances 

cooperation, coordination, and officer safety throughout Ohio. The availability of 

illegal narcotics has been greatly affected by the efforts of the task force, and thus 

has improved the quality of life in the Mahoning Valley 

Miami Valley Drug Task Force- The mission of the Miami Valley Drug Task Force 

(MVDTF) is to reduce violent crime associated with all levels of drug trafficking in 

the Miami Valley area, which includes Montgomery, Greene, surrounding counties, 

and the city of Dayton. Because of Miami Valley’s geographic location, the region 

is a major distribution point of bulk marijuana and cocaine destined for the East 

coast and Midwest market. 

MVDTF consists of two units, the Interdiction Unit and the Major Case Unit. The 

Interdiction Unit focuses on disrupting the movement and distribution of illicit 

narcotics and pre-cursor chemicals via private and commercial vehicles along major 

highways and through commercial shipment facilities in the region. 

The Major Case Unit targets mid to high-level drug trafficking organizations with 

specific emphasis on gang affiliations and international cartels involved in 

trafficking marijuana, heroin, cocaine, Ecstasy (MDMA), OxyContin, and the 

chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The task force will focus 

on disrupting and/or dismantling these organizations by seizure of assets and 

narcotics along with arrest and prosecution of the members of the drug trafficking 

organizations. 

Money Laundering/Intelligence Initiative – The mission of the HIDTA Money 

Laundering/Intelligence Initiative is to develop and assist with criminal 

investigations and related enforcement operations that focus on organized drugtrafficking activities as well as the identification and seizure of financial assets 

derived from narcotics proceeds. The emphasis of the initiative is to gather 

intelligence on drug-trafficking and money-laundering activities from as many 

financial sources as possible to include wire transfers, express package companies, 

airport seizures, vehicle seizures, hotels/motels, conventional banking institutions, 

surveillance, seized personal computers, and related electronic media. Central to this 

mission is an enhanced emphasis on the disruption of drug-trafficking organizations 

and the seizure of financial assets through the sharing and coordination of 

investigative activities with ongoing Ohio HIDTA initiatives, other law enforcement 

agencies, and HIDTAs on the national level. 

The MLII is a collaborated task force comprised of investigators from various 

federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies co-supervised by the Federal 

Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Cleveland Division of 

Police. 

Page 4 
 

Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Appendix E 

Northeast Ohio Interdiction Task Force - The Northeast Ohio Interdiction Task Force 

was created to support the overall mission of the Ohio HIDTA to reduce drug 

trafficking, related violent crimes and money laundering in the Ohio HIDTA region. 

This is done through the use of coordinated resources against the means and 

individuals utilized to transport controlled substances into the Northern Ohio HIDTA 

region, and to seize the profits gained by the sale of controlled substances from these 

individuals and organizations. The task force will continue to target those drug 

organizations that have the greatest impact on the Northeast Ohio community. 

In 2005 the Northeast Ohio Interdiction Task Force consisted of 3 units: the 

Cleveland Hopkins Airport Unit, the Akron-Canton Airport Unit and the 

Investigative Unit. The Cleveland Hopkins Airport Unit and the Akron-Canton 

Airport Unit are interdictions units, which focus their efforts on drug-trafficking 

organizations responsible for the distribution of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, 

methamphetamine, and the seizure of assets, specifically currency, which is derived 

from distribution efforts. Both units specifically focus their efforts on trains, buses, 

hotels, motels, parcels, and airports in their respective areas of responsibility. The 

Investigative Unit is responsible for dismantling and disrupting drug trafficking 

organizations while conducting long-term conspiracy-related investigations, which 

utilize traditional investigative methods that include pen registers and Title III wire 

intercepts. 

Northwest Ohio HIDTA Task Force - The Northwest Ohio HIDTA Task Force was 

created to reduce drug trafficking, related violent crimes, and money laundering in 

the Ohio HIDTA region. This is accomplished through the coordination and sharing 

of intelligence, unified law enforcement effort, and community cooperation, which 

will improve the quality of life in Northwest Ohio. 

The Northwest Ohio HIDTA Task Force is a collocated, cooperative effort within the 

greater Toledo, Ohio area. All elements of the task force are centrally located in 

downtown Toledo, in an office funded by the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

Historically, the task force has focused upon dismantling major trafficking groups 

operating within the area. Particular attention will continue to be directed toward 

undermining the increasing role the area plays in supplying controlled substances to 

other parts of the region. The initiative and the areas of operation have not changed 

since its creation. 

This law enforcement initiative continues to address drug-trafficking related 

problems and issues as deemed necessary. The utilization of undercover agents, 

undercover narcotics purchases, extensive surveillance, pen registers, clone pagers, 

and potential Title III intercepts are commonplace when conducting these types of 

investigations. This initiative targets the major cocaine, heroin, and marijuana 

organizations in the region and seeks to disrupt and dismantle all facets of each 

organization. All investigations interact with and share information with the HIDTA 

ISC. Analytical resources on site in Toledo are shared with non-member law 

Page 5 
Ohio HIDTA 

2005 Annual Report 

Appendix E 

enforcement agencies within the area, as requested. The HIDTA ISC is used to 

augment investigative support resources on site and expand on its efforts. 

South Central Drug Task Force- The South Central Drug Task Force (SCDTF) 

undertakes cooperative efforts to substantially reduce the impact of higher-level 

organized drug-trafficking activity in the Franklin, Fairfield, and surrounding central 

and southern Ohio counties by combining the resources of local, state, and federal 

law enforcement agencies. This initiative links participating agencies and shares 

developed information on identified targets and then uses that information to track, 

investigate, and prosecute those responsible for drug trafficking and violent crimes 

that accompany it. 

The SCDTF consists of two units, the Southwest Border Initiative and the South 

Central Enforcement Group. The Southwest Border Initiative (SWBI), a DEA-led 

unit, employs traditional and non-traditional investigative and surveillance 

techniques in order to gather evidence involving drug trafficking organizations and 

drug distribution cells operating in Columbus and central Ohio, specifically those 

connected to the United States/Mexican border. SWBI will use intelligence derived 

from DEA cases worldwide and from other law enforcement sources throughout the 

United States to dismantle or disrupt the emerging threat posed by drug trafficking 

organizations based in Mexico and other Central and South American countries. The 

task force concentrates on exploiting telephonic communications and tracing 

financial transactions in an effort to identify members of the organizations, and 

identify the methods of transporting drugs and laundered money to and from central 

Ohio. 

The South Central Enforcement Group (SCEG) is broken into two investigative 

groups. The first group will focus on the interdiction of contraband that is shipped 

via parcels and commercial freight. The second group will focus on more traditional 

drug organizations that are operating in the central Ohio area. In addition, a Deputy 

Director and a Staff Assistant are located in southern Ohio to handle the 

administrative duties pertaining to the six new southern counties. They are budgeted 

under the South Central Drug Task Force, because in 2005 the supplemental funding 

for the six new counties was not part of the baseline funding. 

Southwest Ohio Regional Drug Task Force Initiative- The Southwest Ohio Regional 

Drug Task Force (SWORD) mission is to reduce violent crime associated with all 

levels of drug trafficking in Hamilton, Warren, and surrounding counties in 

southwestern Ohio and to reduce the levels of prescription drug abuse in the tri-state 

area. The task force goals will be to disrupt and dismantle domestic and foreign 

organizations producing, transporting, and supplying illicit drugs to the region. 

SWORD consists of two units, each with their own areas of responsibility, 

supervision, and expected output. 

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Appendix E 

The Pharmaceutical Diversion Unit (PDU) employs law enforcement and datamining techniques to track down illegal trafficking in prescription drugs, especially 

OxyContin. PDU will work with the medical community to detect and deter 

criminal activity connected with prescription drugs. Tracking assets and money 

laundering investigations will also be part of this initiative. PDU is a multi-agency 

unit, which includes investigators from the Cincinnati Police, Drug Abuse Reduction 

Task Force (DART), Greater Warren County Drug Task Force, DEA Diversion Unit, 

FBI, Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services Office of the Inspector General. 

The Southwest Task Force Network (STFN) targets cocaine and marijuana 

trafficking organizations responsible for violent crime. STFN will unify the efforts 

and enhance information sharing necessary to combat drug trafficking organizations 

and related violent crimes, including homicide, murder-for-hire, money laundering, 

and conspiracies. All investigative activity is coordinated through the Deconfliction 

Center and information requests are sent to the center. 

Stark County Violent Crimes Initiative - This initiative is a multi-agency cooperative 

effort to undermine the impact of organized drug-trafficking activity through the 

identification, investigation, and prosecution of such organizations. Special 

emphasis is placed on dismantling groups exhibiting violence and conspiratorial 

relations as a means of furthering their illegal activities. This initiative is a federallyled, collocated federal, state, and local law enforcement task force created with a 

combined mission of utilizing highly sophisticated techniques in long-term narcoticstrafficking organizations to disrupt and dismantle highly entrenched, tight-knit, 

violent drug-trafficking organizations in Stark County, Ohio. 

This initiative targets the most violent and/or sophisticated drug-trafficking 

organizations trafficking cocaine, cocaine base, marijuana, heroin, and crystal 

methamphetamine that cannot be dismantled by local/state jurisdictions currently in 

place to combat street level and mid-level traffickers. However, as investigations 

dictate, any and all local departments share narcotics intelligence and provide 

investigative support for initiative priorities. 

Toledo Metro Drug Task Force - The law enforcement mission of the Toledo Metro 

Drug Task Force (TMDTF) is to identify, investigate, prosecute, disrupt, and 

dismantle middle and upper-level drug-trafficking organizations operating in, and/or 

attempting to establish drug routes into, the Northwest Ohio Region. The TMDTF 

utilizes all means at its disposal while working cooperatively and in conjunction with 

the Ohio HIDTA, other HIDTA initiatives, and all other law enforcement agencies 

with an interest in the counter drug effort in Northwestern Ohio and other parts of the 

United States, respectively, which are affected by information developed within the 

initiative. 

Techniques employed by the TMDTF to counter drug trafficking in the region 

include surveillance; intelligence gathering through the use of informants; trash 

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Appendix E 

pulls; highway, commercial vehicle, bus/train, hotel/motel, and parcel interdiction; 

search warrants; controlled buys; direct buys; reverse buys; video surveillance; penregisters; and Title III activities. The availability of drug-sniffing canines to assist in 

the discovery of narcotics and assets derived from drug trafficking has proven 

invaluable, especially in the area of drug interdiction. The canine handlers also 

conduct several demonstrations a year instructing young people on the dangers of 

narcotics. 

The interdiction branch of the TMDTF was formed to further the law enforcement 

mission of the task force in identifying, disrupting, and dismantling upper-level 

narcotics trafficking organizations operating in the Northwest Ohio Region. The 

Interdiction Unit’s objective is to intercept narcotics, along with assets derived from 

the sale of narcotics coming into and leaving Northwest Ohio via highways, airports, 

hotels, bus and train stations, parcel services and storage facilities. The unit has 

expanded its ties with other law enforcement interdiction teams both within the State 

of Ohio and the State of Michigan in an attempt to counter drug trafficking. 

Training Initiative - The mission of this initiative is to improve the efficiency and 

effectiveness of Ohio HIDTA initiatives and participating agencies to counter drug 

trafficking and address the drug threat in the Ohio HIDTA region. Selective training 

opportunities, provided in support of HIDTA initiatives and law enforcement 

agencies within the HIDTA, will contribute directly toward accomplishing this 

objective. This initiative allows the Ohio HIDTA to provide timely, relevant 

training that enhances the knowledge, skills, and performance of all participating 

Ohio HIDTA law enforcement and support personnel. The Training Initiative 

provides threat-driven training programs to the Ohio HIDTA participating law 

enforcement and support personnel as well as other law enforcement agencies within 

the Ohio HIDTA region. 

The Training Initiative is divided into two areas of concentration. The first area is 

computer-related. The training is conducted at the Ohio HIDTA in a specifically 

designed Computer Training Center. The other area of concentration is investigative 

training designed to assist the task force officers and analysts in their investigative 

missions. Generally, this training is conducted at the Ohio HIDTA ISC. Also, if 

pertinent, the Training Initiative promotes training in other areas of the country 

contingent upon available funds. 

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