LAKE COUNTY, Ohio — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired in an unrelated story on Aug. 16, 2022.
A 41-year-old man in Painesville Township was arrested last week during "Operation Stonegarden," which was conducted by the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
The unidentified man was taken into custody after officials allegedly found nine grams of methamphetamines and four grams of crack cocaine in his possession.
Authorities say the man also admitted to trafficking in these illegal narcotics throughout Lake County.
"Operation Stonegarden was authorized through the Homeland Security Act of 2002, geared to assist state and local government to enhance the Homeland Security Enterprise, it was based off the Implementing Recommendation of the 9/11 Commission," according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office. "In 2006, Operation Stonegarden was expanded to, 'give states additional funding and flexibility to strengthen America’s borders. Funding through Operation Stonegarden is managed through FEMA and County Sheriff’s Offices.'”
The Lake County Sheriff's Office has used the grant funds in the areas of Painesville Township, Concord Township, Perry Township and Leroy Township.
Lake County also works alongside the following agencies to reduce crime and the possession of illegal narcotics:
- Mentor Police Department
- Lake County Narcotics Agency
- Willoughby Police Department
- Willoughby Hills Police Department
The full press release from the Lake County Sheriff's Office can be viewed below: