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'Operation Shield' nets dozens of arrests, drug seizures

Law enforcement from across the area were involved in a major enforcement operation over the last couple of days. It netted dozens of arrests, plus got drugs and stolen vehicles off the streets.

(Toledo News Now) - Law enforcement from across the area were involved in a major enforcement operation over the last couple of days. It netted dozens of arrests, plus got drugs and stolen vehicles off the streets.

It was called "Operation Shield" and involved more than 15 law enforcement agencies working together. Among them were the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and local police from areas like Toledo, Perrysburg Township and Sylvania.

Police said the operation was successful. A major part of the operation was teaming highway patrol officers with local police for side-by-side work to improve communication. After making a traffic stop, officers tried to gather intelligence to launch other investigations.

Police stopped nearly 700 vehicles, made 96 drug arrests, and recovered eight guns and four stolen vehicles. The Human Trafficking Task Force arrested eight people on complicity and soliciting charges.

Police also seized crack, pills, heroin and 28 pounds of marijuana, including a pound of home-grown hydroponic marijuana. They carried out dozens of search warrants.

Operation Shield was in effect in Lucas and Wood counties over a two-day period starting Wednesday. Working together, law enforcement took information from traffic stops to develop additional intelligence and make other arrests.

"Just to see this many people come together, removing up to eight weapons off the roadways in the city of Toledo, to me, can you put a price on that? You think about the drugs that are taken off the street. That's improving the quality of life for the citizens of Toledo, as well as the citizens of Ohio," said Lt. John Altman with OSHP.

Lake Township Police seized nearly $60,000 in cash during one stop. In Toledo, police conducted gang sweeps.

Toledo Police Chief Derrick Diggs said the impact was clear.

"I can tell you it's been very quiet on the streets of Toledo over the last couple days. I don't think we had a shooting the last couple days, so it has a strong impact," said Diggs.

Police said this was the largest operation of its kind in the state and they plan to do similar operations in the future.

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