Cleveland to Fund Narcotics and Laundering Task Force via State Grant
Cleveland is moving forward with funding for the Cartel Gang Narcotics and Laundering Task Force, a multi-agency unit formerly known as the Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force. Through emergency ordinance 555-2026, the Director of Public Safety is authorized to apply for and accept a grant from the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services to support the unit's operations. This funding is part of the FY 2025 Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Fund, which aims to help law enforcement agencies manage expenses related to enforcing state drug laws and investigating illegal drug activity.
What's in the file
According to the 555-2026 Legislative Summary, the ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Safety to:
- Apply for and accept a grant of $249,567.92 from the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services for the period of July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
- Enter into agreements with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office and other entities to implement the grant.
- Use a cash match of $83,189.33 from the Police operating budget to meet the grant requirements.
The total budget for the task force operations under this grant is $332,757.25, distributed as follows:
| Expense Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Personnel (CPD Overtime/Fringe) | $79,811.15 |
| Consultants (Partner Agency Overtime) | $78,314.10 |
| Case Related Travel | $10,082.00 |
| Equipment | $56,000.00 |
| Supplies | $1,000.00 |
| Other Costs | $8,550.00 |
| Confidential Funds | $99,000.00 |
Who may be affected
- Department of Public Safety: Authorized to manage the grant and enter into multi-agency agreements.
- Cleveland Division of Police: Will provide the required local cash match from its operating budget and provide personnel for overtime and fringe benefits.
- Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office: Named as a potential partner entity for grant implementation.
Status and timeline
- April 24, 2026: The emergency ordinance was introduced to City Council.
- May 29, 2026: The legislation was recorded in the City Record as passed.
Residents can verify these details and review the full text of the ordinance through the Cleveland City Council website.
Source record
- File
- 555-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- Passed
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- April 23, 2026
Official documents
- 555-2026 Ap & Ac OH Drug Law Enforcement for Cartel Gang Narcotics & Laundering, formerly known as NOLETF
- 555-2026-A File-Ap & Ac OH Drug Law Enforcement for Cartel Gang Narcotics & Laundering, formerly known as NOLETF
- 555-2026 Legislative Summary
- 555-2026 Amend 555-2026
- 555-2026-as amended-desk copy-Final
- 555-2026 FINAL VERSION-CITY RECORD MAY 29, 2026 PG. 47
Sources
- FBI Cleveland Cartel Gang Narcotics & Laundering Task Force Announces Seizure of 88 Pounds of Drugs Valued at $5.2 Million and the Arrest of Two Drug Trafficking Organization Operatives — FBI
- Cleveland Division of Police and Law Enforcement Agencies lead Investigation Resulting in Major Drug Seizure, One of Cuyahoga County's Largest | City of Cleveland Ohio
- Task Forces