Deadly Merchant Part II: Ohio Connections to Mexican Cartels and International Networks (2014-April 2025)

1. Executive Summary

This report provides an updated analysis of fentanyl trafficking in Ohio from January 2014 to April 2025, expanding on previous investigations to incorporate a more comprehensive timeframe. Key findings reveal a significant and evolving role of Mexican drug cartels, particularly the Sinaloa Cartel and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), in supplying fentanyl to Ohio. The analysis also highlights the crucial involvement of international networks, with China serving as a primary source for precursor chemicals and Canada playing a role in distribution. Trends in trafficking patterns indicate a shift towards fentanyl pills, often disguised as prescription medications, and diverse transportation methods, including mail and vehicles. While direct links to Operation Denial, which focused on a specific Canadian-Chinese network, are not always explicit in Ohio-specific cases, the broader pattern of international sourcing is consistent. The updated conclusions underscore the persistent threat of fentanyl trafficking and the need for continued, adaptive strategies in law enforcement, policy, and public health.

2. Introduction

The state of Ohio has been profoundly affected by the ongoing opioid crisis, with fentanyl emerging as a primary driver of overdose deaths and community devastation. Understanding the intricacies of fentanyl trafficking into and within Ohio is crucial for developing effective countermeasures. This updated investigative report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of this illicit activity by examining data from a significantly expanded timeframe, spanning from January 1, 2014, to April 3, 2025. By focusing on identifying and analyzing connections between fentanyl trafficking in Ohio and Mexican drug cartels, namely the Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG, as well as international drug trafficking networks originating from Canada and China, this report seeks to illuminate the evolving nature of this threat. Furthermore, the report will consider the relevance of investigations such as Operation Denial in understanding the transnational dimensions of fentanyl trafficking. The objectives of this updated analysis are to meticulously document significant arrests and seizures of fentanyl within Ohio, identify key trends in trafficking patterns, update previous findings with data from the expanded timeframe, and ultimately provide informed conclusions and recommendations to stakeholders engaged in combating this crisis.

3. Methodology

The methodology employed for this updated report involved a comprehensive review of various information sources to capture the landscape of fentanyl trafficking in Ohio between 2014 and April 2025. The primary sources consulted include news articles from reputable local and national media outlets, official press releases issued by law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels (such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office), and relevant court documents where available through public access systems. The timeframe for this analysis was explicitly set from January 1, 2014, to April 3, 2025. The search strategies utilized a range of keywords and search terms, including “fentanyl,” “Ohio,” specific cities and counties within Ohio, “arrests,” “seizures,” “Mexican cartel,” “Sinaloa Cartel,” “CJNG,” “Canada,” “China,” and “Operation Denial.” The collected information was then analyzed to extract key data points, identify connections between arrests and seizures and the specified criminal organizations and networks, and discern trends in trafficking patterns over the defined period.

4. Significant Fentanyl Arrests and Seizures in Ohio (2014-2025)

• 4.1. 2014: The year 2014 marks a critical juncture in Ohio’s fentanyl crisis. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a staggering 1043% increase in fentanyl submissions by law enforcement to forensic laboratories in Ohio compared to the previous year, rising from 109 in 2013 to 1,246 in 2014. This dramatic surge was accompanied by a 526% increase in fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Ohio, climbing from 84 in 2013 to 526 in 2014. This exponential rise in both the supply encountered by law enforcement and the resulting fatalities signifies a sudden and disruptive shift in Ohio’s drug market, indicating the establishment of new or rapidly expanding supply chains for fentanyl. Furthermore, the CDC report notes that in Ohio’s high-burden counties during 2014, 56% of fentanyl-related deaths involved the presence of heroin or cocaine. This early pattern of fentanyl being mixed with other opioids and stimulants, often without the user’s knowledge, underscores the heightened risk of unintentional overdose due to the unknown potency of these combinations. Corroborating this trend, a fiscal note from the Ohio legislature mentions 1,245 fentanyl seizures occurring within the state in 2014. This high number of seizures, nearly matching the number of laboratory submissions, suggests that law enforcement agencies across Ohio were actively encountering and confiscating fentanyl, hinting at a relatively widespread distribution network already in operation. While specific arrests directly linked to cartel or international networks in 2014 are not prominent in the data, a DEA press release from September 2014 details the arrest of 13 Ohio residents for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. Although fentanyl is not explicitly mentioned in the charges, the existence of these established drug trafficking networks dealing with other opioids and stimulants around the time fentanyl was rapidly increasing suggests a potential pathway for fentanyl to be introduced or integrated into their operations as its demand and profitability grew.

• 4.2. 2015: National data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates that fiscal year 2015 witnessed a peak in DEA arrests related to heroin, fentanyl, and other opioids, reaching a total of 8,258 arrests. This national surge in opioid-related law enforcement activity likely reflects the escalating fentanyl crisis also impacting Ohio. The CDC’s Epi-Aid report further confirms the worsening situation in Ohio, noting that while fentanyl-related deaths had already seen a dramatic 500% increase in 2014, preliminary data suggested a continued upward trend throughout 2015. This persistent rise in fatalities underscored the ongoing increase in fentanyl’s supply and availability within the state. An early indication of international connections comes from a DEA press release in July 2017, which details the arrest of a Chinese national in Massachusetts for distributing opioids, including fentanyl, that were shipped directly from China to Ohio. Although the arrest occurred later, the described activity potentially dates back to 2015 or earlier, highlighting the early role of China as a source of fentanyl entering Ohio, sometimes bypassing traditional Mexican cartel routes. Furthermore, a DOJ press release concerning a grand jury indictment in 2024 reveals a multi-state narcotics conspiracy involving cocaine and fentanyl that operated from 2015 until 2024, with direct connections to Ohio, specifically Columbus and Pickerington. This suggests that fentanyl trafficking networks active in Ohio during 2015 were often part of larger, long-term operations spanning multiple states, indicating a significant level of organization and reach.

• 4.3. 2016: In September 2016, a DEA press release detailed the charging of a drug trafficking organization operating in the Detroit, Michigan area for their involvement in fentanyl-related overdose deaths. While this action focused on a neighboring state, the close proximity of Detroit to Ohio, particularly the northern regions, suggests a potential overlap or interconnectedness in trafficking routes and supply chains impacting Ohio during this period. The presence of a significant fentanyl trafficking organization in a nearby major metropolitan area implies that similar networks were likely operating within Ohio as well, contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis.

• 4.4. 2017: April 2017 saw the sentencing of an Akron, Ohio man to 20 years in prison for distributing fentanyl that was directly sourced from China and resulted in a fatal overdose, as reported in a DEA press release. This case provides a direct and confirmed link between fentanyl distribution in Ohio and its origin in China, underscoring the international dimension of the trafficking and its deadly consequences within the state. The July 2017 DEA press release regarding the arrest of the Chinese national distributing fentanyl shipped to Ohio further reinforces this connection. Additionally, an Ohio man was sentenced to life in prison in August 2018 for selling deadly fentanyl, with the crime likely occurring in late 2017 or earlier, as mentioned in a DEA press release. This severe penalty reflects the continued high-level fentanyl trafficking within Ohio and the serious consequences imposed by the justice system.

• 4.5. 2018: A significant development in understanding the international scope of fentanyl trafficking occurred in August 2018 when the DEA announced the indictment of two Chinese citizens in Cleveland, Ohio. These individuals were charged with operating a large-scale conspiracy that manufactured and shipped fentanyl analogues, along with 250 other drugs, to at least 25 countries, including the United States and specifically Ohio. This indictment revealed a substantial international operation with direct ties to Ohio, highlighting the global reach and scale of the fentanyl trafficking networks impacting the state and the role of fentanyl analogues in the crisis.

• 4.6. 2019: By September 2019, the connection between fentanyl trafficking in Ohio and Mexican drug cartels became more explicit. A DEA press release announced the indictment of ten individuals in Cleveland for their involvement in trafficking fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and other illicit drugs that were being transported from Mexico into Cleveland. This indictment provided a direct link between the flow of fentanyl into Ohio and its source in Mexico, clearly implicating Mexican drug cartels in supplying the Ohio market.

• 4.7. 2020 – April 2025: Between May and September 2022, a significant law enforcement operation, “Operation One Pill Can Kill,” resulted in the seizure of over 65 kilograms of fentanyl powder and 87,000 fentanyl-laced pills across Ohio, as detailed in a DOJ press release from February 2024. This substantial seizure underscores the continued high volume of fentanyl present within Ohio. The press release also highlighted several specific cases, including the August 2021 arrest in Summit County of Omar Zamora and Nathaniel Dabney, who were found with 2.2 kilograms of fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone, with the drugs linked to a Mexican cartel. Both individuals were subsequently convicted and sentenced. In January 2022, authorities in Cleveland intercepted a package containing approximately 2.2 kilograms of fentanyl pills originating from Arizona and destined for Cleveland, leading to the arrests of Dayareon Crofton, Floyd Head, and Cortez West. March 2022 saw the seizure of approximately 7,833 fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone from a mailed parcel in Tiffin, Ohio, resulting in the arrests of Cody Brown, Jennifer Murphy, and Damion Yoshimoto for their alleged involvement in shipping the pills from out of state. In May 2022, law enforcement in Cleveland seized over 2 kilograms of fentanyl pills from a parcel shipped from Arizona, leading to the arrest of Larrie Ladell Campbell. Additionally, Martez Watkins was arrested in May 2022 for continuing to send fentanyl pills to Northern Ohio from Indiana, with authorities seizing 5,362 pills containing fentanyl from his residence. February 2023 saw a massive seizure of 88 pounds of suspected fentanyl in Cleveland and Painesville, with two arrests made in connection to a trafficking network believed to be based in Mexico. In May 2024, the FBI’s Cleveland division announced the seizure of over 65 kilograms of fentanyl pills and powder in Cleveland, resulting in two arrests and highlighting the ongoing efforts of the Cartel Gang Narcotics & Laundering Task Force. August 2024 brought the indictment of 17 Ohio residents in Akron for a drug trafficking scheme involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, with the supply being linked to sources connected to the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). February 2025 saw the conviction of two men in Columbus for their roles in a long-standing narcotics distribution ring that included fentanyl and had been operating since 2008. Also in February 2025, 18 alleged members of a Cleveland gang were indicted on federal charges, including RICO conspiracy and fentanyl trafficking, with over 400 grams of fentanyl seized. A significant seizure in Painesville, Ohio, in February 2023, led to the sentencing of a Mexican national in February 2025 for a drug conspiracy involving over 240 pounds of fentanyl and direct connections to a Mexican cartel. Furthermore, a sentencing in August 2023 involved a Cleveland woman who received over 24 years in prison for fentanyl trafficking conspiracy and money laundering, following an FBI investigation. In March 2025, two Columbus men were sentenced for their roles in drug and human trafficking rings that included fentanyl. December 2022 saw a substantial fentanyl bust in Reynoldsburg, near Columbus, where 19 kilograms of fentanyl and 22,000 pills were seized, leading to three arrests. The sentencing of the Mexican national in Painesville in February 2025 involved a conspiracy where the individual was found to have connections to a Mexican cartel and was responsible for distributing approximately 111 kilograms of fentanyl and 42 kilograms of cocaine.

August 2021

• Location: Summit County (Copley)
• Quantity of Fentanyl: 2.2 kg
• Form of Fentanyl: Pills (disguised as oxycodone)
• Individuals Arrested: Omar Zamora, Nathaniel Dabney
• Links to Mexican Cartels Identified: Yes (unspecified cartel)
• Links to International Networks Identified: No
• Source: (Not explicitly stated in the provided material)

February 2023

• Location: Cleveland & Painesville
• Quantity of Fentanyl: 88 pounds (40 kg)
• Form of Fentanyl: Suspected
• Individuals Arrested: Not named in sources
• Links to Mexican Cartels Identified: Yes (unspecified cartel)
• Links to International Networks Identified: No
• Source: (Not explicitly stated in the provided material)

May 2024

• Location: Cleveland
• Quantity of Fentanyl: 65 kg
• Form of Fentanyl: Pills & Powder
• Individuals Arrested: Two individuals
• Links to Mexican Cartels Identified: Yes (implied by task force)
• Links to International Networks Identified: No
• Source: (Not explicitly stated in the provided material)

February 2025

• Location: Painesville
• Quantity of Fentanyl: 240+ pounds (111 kg)
• Form of Fentanyl: (Not specified in the provided material)
• Individuals Arrested: Ronald Rendon-Luna
• Links to Mexican Cartels Identified: Yes (unspecified cartel)
• Links to International Networks Identified: No
• Source: (Not explicitly stated in the provided material)

December 2022

• Location: Reynoldsburg (near Columbus)
• Quantity of Fentanyl: 19 kg & 22,000 Pills
• Form of Fentanyl: Pills
• Individuals Arrested: Jessica Alejandra Delacruz-Toscano, Raymundo Martinez-Meza, Ivan Eduardo Torres-Meza
• Links to Mexican Cartels Identified: No
• Links to International Networks Identified: No
• Source: (Not explicitly stated in the provided material)

5. Connections to Mexican Drug Cartels

The analysis of arrests and seizures in Ohio between 2014 and April 2025 reveals a significant and increasing involvement of Mexican drug cartels in fentanyl trafficking. By September 2019, law enforcement explicitly identified the flow of fentanyl from Mexico to Cleveland, implicating Mexican cartels in supplying the Ohio market. A 2021 case in Summit County involved fentanyl pills linked to a cartel in Mexico, further solidifying this connection. The Treasury Department, in an April 2025 press release, stated that the Sinaloa Cartel is responsible for a substantial portion of illicit fentanyl trafficked into the United States, suggesting a likely impact on Ohio’s supply. While a June 2024 ICE press release detailed a Sinaloa Cartel-linked fentanyl distribution network in California, it highlights the cartel’s extensive reach across the US, suggesting potential connections to Ohio as well. The DEA’s 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment (NDTA) explicitly confirms the presence and involvement of both the Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartels in drug trafficking within every US state, including Ohio. The Treasury Department has also noted that Mexican cartels like CJNG and Sinaloa are responsible for a significant proportion of fentanyl trafficked into the US. DEA reports indicate the Sinaloa Cartel’s involvement in the international supply chain, including precursor chemicals from India and synthesis in Mexico. DOJ press releases further mention the Sinaloa Cartel receiving fentanyl precursors from China, highlighting their reliance on international sources. The 2024 DEA NDTA emphasizes the Sinaloa Cartel’s reliance on China for precursor chemicals and pill presses used in fentanyl production for the US market, including Ohio. DEA reports identify the Sinaloa Cartel as a primary trafficking group responsible for smuggling fentanyl into the US from Mexico, the primary entry point for fentanyl destined for states like Ohio. Similarly, the CJNG is implicated, with a 2024 Akron fentanyl trafficking scheme explicitly linked to the cartel. The Treasury Department also identifies CJNG as responsible for a significant portion of fentanyl trafficked into the US. DEA information from 2024 notes CJNG as a main criminal organization in Mexico controlling drug production and transportation routes, including fentanyl. A June 2024 DOJ press release specifically states that a drug trafficking organization in Akron, Ohio, was supplied by sources connected to CJNG. The White House has also noted a growing presence of Mexican cartels, including CJNG, operating fentanyl labs in Canada, suggesting a potential indirect impact on Ohio’s supply.

6. International Trafficking Network Connections

Connections to international trafficking networks, beyond Mexican cartels, are also evident in the Ohio fentanyl landscape. Operation Denial, an investigation into an international fentanyl trafficking conspiracy spanning Canada, China, and the US, started as early as 2013. This operation revealed the early involvement of Canada in the international fentanyl trade affecting the US, with Canadians running operations from within Quebec prisons, sourcing fentanyl from China. The extradition of two Quebec men to North Dakota as part of Operation Denial in connection to a 2015 overdose death confirms the direct involvement of Canadian individuals. Similarly, a Canadian woman was sentenced to 23 years for her role in fentanyl overdoses across several US states, receiving fentanyl from China as part of Operation Denial. While some reports suggest that little finished fentanyl enters the US directly from Canada, precursor chemicals have been seized in Canada, indicating a role in the broader supply chain. The sentencing of an Ontario man for leading a fentanyl enterprise from a Canadian prison as part of Operation Denial further highlights the significant role of Canadian actors. A Rhode Island man sentenced for his role in an international fentanyl trafficking operation received fentanyl from both Canada and China, as part of Operation Denial. The DOJ has listed several Canadians sentenced under Operation Denial, underscoring the international scope of this network. A Colombian national operating a prison-based fentanyl enterprise from Canada, sourcing from China and part of Operation Denial, was also sentenced. White House briefs suggest a growing presence of Mexican cartels operating fentanyl labs in Canada, with fentanyl potentially flowing to the US, including Ohio, through these networks. The Canadian government acknowledged its role in the fentanyl crisis by launching a new intelligence-sharing partnership focused on fentanyl trafficking in February 2025. A Treasury press release also mentioned a Sinaloa Cartel associate coordinating fentanyl distribution operations in Vancouver, Canada, indicating a direct link between cartel activities in Canada and their broader network. China’s role is primarily as a source of precursor chemicals, as detailed in a USCC report. This report explains a shift from China directly shipping finished fentanyl to primarily exporting precursors to Mexican cartels. The DEA has also noted India as an emerging source for finished fentanyl and precursors, further diversifying the international supply chain. ICE indicted a Chinese chemical company for manufacturing and distributing fentanyl precursors to the US and Mexico. FinCEN highlighted the purchase of precursors and manufacturing equipment by Mexican TCOs primarily from PRC-based suppliers. The House Select Committee on the CCP’s role in the fentanyl crisis stated that China is the ultimate geographic source of nearly all illicit fentanyl precursors.

7. Trends in Fentanyl Trafficking Patterns in Ohio (2014-2025)

Analysis of the data from 2014 to 2025 reveals several key trends in fentanyl trafficking patterns in Ohio. Fentanyl has consistently appeared in both powder and pill form. A significant trend observed is the increasing prevalence of fentanyl being pressed into counterfeit pills that mimic legitimate prescription medications, such as oxycodone. This method of distribution poses a significant risk to users who may unknowingly consume fentanyl, leading to unintentional overdoses. Furthermore, fentanyl is frequently mixed with other illicit substances, including heroin and cocaine, further increasing the danger. Transportation methods for fentanyl into and within Ohio are diverse. While the primary entry point for fentanyl into the United States is the southwest border, once inside the country, it is transported to Ohio through various means. These methods include the use of private vehicles and the postal service, as evidenced by multiple instances of fentanyl pills being shipped via mail from states like Arizona to Ohio cities such as Cleveland and Tiffin. Early in the crisis, there were instances of fentanyl pills being shipped across North America concealed within appliances. The deceptive nature of precursor chemical transportation from China is also notable, with manufacturers often mislabeling products and using concealed packaging to evade detection. Geographic distribution patterns within Ohio indicate that fentanyl trafficking is not limited to a single area but is prevalent across various regions. Significant law enforcement activity and large seizures have been reported in major urban centers such as Cleveland and Columbus, as well as in smaller cities and counties like Painesville, Tiffin, Toledo, Akron, and Summit County. There may be regional variations in the specific types of fentanyl or related substances encountered, as suggested by the concentration of carfentanil seizures in northeastern Ohio in late 2023 and early 2024.

Table 2: Trends in Fentanyl-Related Overdose Deaths and Law Enforcement Submissions in Ohio (2014-2024)

Fentanyl-Related Overdose Deaths:

• Increase followed by decrease: After a period of increase between 2013 and 2022, rates of drug overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids (including fentanyl) decreased between 2022 and 2023.
• Peak in 2021: Ohio experienced its highest number of drug-related deaths in 2021. Most likely the quick spike was mostly due to COVID restrictions.
• Consecutive decreases: Following the peak in 2021, Ohio saw consecutive decreases in overdose deaths in 2022 and 2023.
• Continuing decline in 2024: Provisional data for 2024 suggests that the decline in fentanyl-related deaths is continuing and may result in the lowest number since 2016.
• Majority involvement in 2023: In 2023, illicit fentanyl or fentanyl analogs were involved in 78% of unintentional drug overdose deaths in Ohio. This was a decrease from the previous three years (80-81%).
• Decrease in fentanyl-related deaths in 2023: Fentanyl-related deaths decreased by 12% from 2022 to 2023.

Law Enforcement Submissions:

• Significant increase in 2013-2014: Law enforcement submissions of drug products testing positive for fentanyl increased dramatically in Ohio between 2013 and 2014 (over 1000%).
• Peaked in 2021: Similar to overdose deaths, fentanyl submissions by law enforcement in Ohio peaked in 2021.
• Decline since 2021: Both fentanyl-related deaths and fentanyl submissions have progressively declined each year since 2021.
• Lowest submissions since 2016 (estimated for 2024): Estimates for 2024 indicate that Ohio will likely report the second lowest number of drug submissions (which include fentanyl) since 2016.
• Ongoing prevalence: Despite the decline, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s laboratory continues to process a high number of cases involving fentanyl, which was the second-most-often identified substance in drug-evidence samples in the first quarter of 2024 (after methamphetamine).

Relationship between Deaths and Submissions:

• Increases and decreases in laboratory submissions of fentanyl are generally associated with corresponding changes in fentanyl-related deaths.

*It’s important to note that these trends reflect data available up to late 2024 and early 2025. 

8. Updated Cross-Case Analysis and Links to Operation Denial

Integrating the findings from the 2014-2025 arrests and seizures into the existing understanding of fentanyl trafficking in Ohio reveals an evolution marked by the increasing dominance of Mexican cartels and a consistent reliance on international sources, primarily China, for precursor chemicals. Operation Denial, which primarily focused on a specific international network originating in Canada and China, provides a valuable lens through which to view the transnational nature of fentanyl trafficking. While the Ohio data from 2014-2025 shows numerous connections to China as a source of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, as well as the significant role of Mexican cartels in distribution within the US, direct links to the specific individuals or methods highlighted in Operation Denial are not always explicitly stated. However, the broader trend of Chinese-sourced fentanyl being distributed through North American networks, sometimes involving Canadian intermediaries, aligns with the core findings of Operation Denial. For instance, the 2017 case of the Akron man sentenced for distributing Chinese-sourced fentanyl mirrors the international supply routes uncovered by Operation Denial. Similarly, the indictment of Chinese nationals in Cleveland for manufacturing and shipping fentanyl analogues reflects the type of activity targeted by the operation. The 2021 Summit County case involving fentanyl pills linked to a Mexican cartel suggests a shift where cartels are increasingly the primary distributors of fentanyl that may have originated as precursors from China, a pattern also consistent with the evolving dynamics highlighted by Operation Denial.

9. Ohio Law Enforcement Observations and Reports

Ohio law enforcement agencies have consistently recognized the severity of the fentanyl trafficking crisis and the involvement of Mexican cartels and international networks. In May 2024, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office highlighted the ongoing prevalence of fentanyl in Ohio, noting its increasing threat since 2018 compared to heroin and the identification of numerous fentanyl analogues. Following a large fentanyl bust in December 2022, involving 19 kg of fentanyl and 22,000 pills, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost directly linked fentanyl trafficking in the state to the southern border and the need for stronger federal action. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office reported the seizure of over $92 million in narcotics in 2024 by task forces under its oversight, including 1,154 pounds of fentanyl, demonstrating the significant amount of the drug being intercepted at the state level. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has also reported significant fentanyl seizures during traffic stops across the state, indicating its presence on Ohio’s roadways. The US Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio has explicitly stated that criminals used Mexican Cartel connections to bring millions of doses of fentanyl into the state. The DEA Detroit Special Agent in Charge has confirmed that fentanyl pills are primarily manufactured in clandestine labs in Mexico using chemicals sourced from China, highlighting this key international connection in the supply chain affecting Ohio.

10. Updated Conclusion

The updated analysis of fentanyl trafficking in Ohio between 2014 and April 2025 underscores the persistent and evolving nature of this crisis. Mexican drug cartels, particularly the Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG, have established themselves as significant players in supplying fentanyl to Ohio, often utilizing distribution networks that span across the state. These cartels rely heavily on international networks, with China serving as the primary source for the precursor chemicals necessary for fentanyl production. While direct connections to the specific individuals and methods investigated under Operation Denial are not always apparent in Ohio-specific cases, the broader trend of international sourcing, especially from China, is consistent with the operation’s findings. Trafficking patterns in Ohio have shifted towards fentanyl pills, frequently disguised as prescription medications, and a variety of transportation methods are employed, including mail and vehicles. The geographic distribution of fentanyl trafficking is widespread across Ohio, affecting both urban and rural areas. The findings highlight the complex and adaptive nature of fentanyl trafficking organizations and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and public health agencies in combating this deadly threat.

11. Updated Recommendations

Based on the findings of this updated report, the following recommendations are proposed to address the evolving landscape of fentanyl trafficking in Ohio:

• Strengthen Multi-Agency Collaboration: Enhance collaboration and intelligence sharing between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in Ohio, including the DEA, FBI, Ohio Attorney General’s Office, and local police departments, to better target and disrupt fentanyl trafficking networks, particularly those with links to Mexican cartels and international organizations.
• Focus on Financial Disruption: Increase efforts to target the financial networks that support fentanyl trafficking by working with financial institutions to identify and disrupt money laundering activities associated with these illicit operations.
• International Cooperation: Continue and strengthen diplomatic and law enforcement cooperation with China to address the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals and with Canada and Mexico to disrupt cross-border trafficking networks.
• Enhance Border Security: While most finished fentanyl enters the US via the southern border, efforts should be made to enhance security measures at all ports of entry and along domestic transportation routes to prevent fentanyl from reaching Ohio communities.
• Expand Public Health Initiatives: Increase funding and support for public health initiatives focused on fentanyl prevention, treatment, and harm reduction, including wider access to naloxone, public awareness campaigns about the dangers of fentanyl-laced drugs, and expansion of addiction treatment services.
• Improve Data Collection and Analysis: Enhance data collection and analysis efforts to better track fentanyl trafficking trends within Ohio, including the origin of seized fentanyl, the methods of transportation used, and the involvement of specific criminal organizations. This data should be used to inform targeted law enforcement strategies and public health interventions.
• Legislative Measures: Consider and implement legislative measures to strengthen penalties for fentanyl trafficking offenses, particularly those involving large quantities or with direct links to Mexican cartels and international networks.
• Target Online Trafficking: Increase efforts to monitor and disrupt the online sale and distribution of fentanyl and fentanyl precursors through collaboration with technology companies and enhanced cybercrime enforcement.