COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Law enforcement leaders joined together, along with Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, Wednesday morning for the annual drug summit in Columbus.

The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center has a full day scheduled for members of law enforcement meet to discuss about a variety of topics regarding drugs and how to tackle issues in the state. Husted spoke at the summit saying 5,000 Ohioans die each year from drug overdoses, with 80 percent of those being from fentanyl.

“This opioid addiction has been going on far too long, said Husted. “There’s no sign that it is relenting, and we have to create constant awareness.” Husted said the state has expanded its reach in the fight against drugs as Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered Ohio National Guard members and highway patrol to assist in efforts at the Southern Border in Texas. 

He explained that border drugs are finding their way into the state and into the hands of dealers who prey upon those in our communities who oftentimes end up becoming addicted. It’s vicious cycle Husted said has a huge impact on the economy.

“If people feel like their neighbor’s not safe, their community’s not safe, they don’t invest there, they leave, and you see an economic decline in those communities,” he said.

He said the state plans to continue to invest in drug task force operations through technology, training and exposing people to law enforcement opportunities and careers at earlier ages.