OSP sweep results in drug, weapon arrests

The results are in for an Ohio State Highway Patrol sweep earlier this month that targeted illegal drugs and weapons around the state.

Troopers made six weapons arrests and 157 drug arrests — one arrest in Clark County, seven in Butler, six in Montgomery, five in Warren, and one in Preble.

The sweep ran from March 5 at 12:01 a.m. through Saturday, March 7, at 11:59 p.m.

The Patrol said it’s gearing up for another sweep to coincide with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on Tuesday.

That sweep will involve the Patrol in coordination with more than 99 local law enforcement agencies around the state and include saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints.

Last year, the Patrol said, four were killed in three crashes on St. Patrick’s Day.

During that 24-hour period, the Patrol made 84 OVI arrests.

“The tragedies that follow impaired driving are senseless and avoidable,” Col. Paul A. Pride, Patrol superintendent, said. “It’s easy to be responsible while also enjoying the celebration. Designate a sober driver or call a cab.”