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 group 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 the costs associated with enforcing state drug laws and investigating illegal drug activity.

According to the 555-2026 Legislative Summary, the anticipated grant award is $249,567.92 for the period of July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. To secure these funds, the City must provide a cash match of $83,189.33 from the Police operating budget, bringing the total project budget to $332,757.25. The grant will reimburse various expenses, including $79,811.15 for Cleveland Division of Police overtime and fringe benefits, $78,314.10 for partner agency overtime, $56,000.00 for equipment, and $99,000.00 for confidential funds. The Director of Public Safety is also authorized to enter into agreements with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office and other entities to carry out the grant's goals. This task force is a multi-agency organization that identifies and targets transnational criminal organizations Cuyahoga County Sheriff and is supported by investigators from federal, state, and local agencies FBI Cleveland.

The ordinance has passed and was introduced to City Council on April 24, 2026. Residents can monitor future City Council sessions and official legislative updates to see how these funds are applied to task force operations throughout the grant term.

Source record

File
555-2026
Type
Emergency Ordinance
Status
Passed
Committee
City Council
Introduced
April 23, 2026

View on Cleveland Legistar

Official documents

Sources