Officials plan expansion of MHIT program

WHEELING, W.Va. -- A combined effort to combat drug trafficking in West Virginia's northern panhandle was called a success Thursday.

Officials gathered at the West Virginia State Police office in Wheeling to announce plans to expand the Mountaineer Highway Interdiction Team this year.

"MHIT was responsible for 185 felony arrests, 369 misdemeanor arrests, the seizure of over $66,000 of illicit drugs (and)the recovery of $130,000 in property, including stolen vehicles, firearms and debit and credit cards," said U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld.

Officials explained at Thursday's press conference that MHIT members focused their attention on the highways like Interstate 70,but the investigations took them throughout Ohio County and even beyond county borders.

"We would develop a lot of drug intel from these traffic stops and from these locations," said Capt. James Merrill with the West Virginia State Police. "(We) had people calling in and giving information because they knew we're out there working."

Plans were announced to expand the program to cover north-central West Virginia. Officials said the expansion mirrors an expansion of crime they're trying to fight.

"It was marijuana. Then, LSD came along," said Ohio County Sheriff Pat Butler. "Now, we're at marijuana, LSD, heroin, crack cocaine, powder cocaine and bath salts. Andprescription pills is just out of control."

Ihlenfeld also announced an effort to attract more funding to Hancock, Brooke, Ohio and Marshall countiesby filing a petition with the Office of National Drug Control Policy to designate the area as a high intensity drug trafficking area. He said the designation would funnel more money for resources and man power to the northern panhandle.