Circleville – Early this morning multiple Circleville Police Department arrest teams armed with 65 arrest warrants descended on several residences in and outside the city simultaneously with one goal; safely take people with substance abuse disorders and traffickers into custody, not just jail. This approach to substance abuse is different, but hopefully more effective. Arrested individuals were transported to a booking and Covid-19 screening center. After screening, they were transported directly to court for arraignment on their charges. In court they were afforded the opportunity to speak with a defense attorney prior to arraignment. They were also able to speak with counselors from Pickaway Area Recovery Services and Project F.O.R.T. (Fairfield Overdose Recovery Team)
After arraignment arrested individuals were transported to drug rehab, probation/parole offices or jail, based on the decision of the court. This operation started back in April of 2020 when local drug overdoses began increasing, 38 drug overdoses and 4 overdose deaths to be exact, since January 1st. The goal of this operation was to identify individuals with substance abuse disorders and provide them with resources for a successful recovery.
Our new K-9, Serg, played a vital roll in making this operation a success. These stats are impressive, but they are more impressive when you consider K-9 Serg has only been working with Officer Eberhard since April 24th, 2020. Here are the stats he has accomplished:
K-9 Deployments – 61 Call outs – 3
Tracks – 1
Barricaded situation – 1 Building/ house Search Search Warrants/Raids Traffic stops – 35 Money – over $4000.00 Arrests/charges -66 Heroin – 3.30g Fentanyl seized – 8.20g Crack Cocaine – 1g Meth – 9.50g Marijuana – 31.00g
– 2 – 5
RX Pills – 28
Guns – 3
Vehicles towed/impounded – 3
Drug abuse instruments / Paraphernalia items – 76
Please continue to follow our social media. Additional updates pertaining to today’s operation will be released later this afternoon.
