CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – Governor Patrick Morrisey announced significant declines in violent crime, property crime, and drug overdose deaths across West Virginia as his administration continues an aggressive approach to public safety and the drug crisis.
“Nothing matters more to me than you and your family’s safety,” said Governor Morrisey. “In West Virginia, we’re taking an aggressive approach to protect your loved ones: crime down, enforcement up. We’re fighting the drug crisis on every front, and we’re seeing real results.”
In 2025, reported violent crime fell 5.6 percent statewide, from 4,310 offenses to 4,070, putting West Virginia’s rate 31 percent below the national average. Reported property crime fell 13.5 percent, from 19,289 offenses to 16,685. Drug overdose deaths dropped 12 percent, representing 99 fewer deaths.
Governor Morrisey has paired prevention and recovery efforts with stronger laws and aggressive enforcement aimed at taking deadly drugs and violent criminals off West Virginia streets. In April 2025, Governor Morrisey signed Lauren’s Law, establishing mandatory minimum sentences for transporting fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine into West Virginia, creating new drug kingpin and delivery-resulting-in-death offenses, and increasing penalties for serious drug crimes.
The West Virginia First Foundation, created following the historic opioid settlement secured during Governor Morrisey’s tenure as Attorney General, has committed nearly $40 million to 171 community projects across the state through the end of 2025.
State, federal, and local law enforcement agencies have also carried out major operations targeting drug trafficking and violent crime across West Virginia:
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Mercer County Fentanyl Seizure: West Virginia State Police, the Southern Regional Drug Task Force, and Appalachia HIDTA seized 54 pounds of suspected fentanyl, 70 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, 15 firearms, and three brick presses in one of the largest fentanyl seizures in state history.
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Operation Down The Road: State Police and the McDowell County prosecutor executed eight search warrants across Mercer, McDowell, and Cabell counties, seizing 12 pounds of fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine, brick presses, firearms, and approximately $300,000 in narcotics.
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Charleston-Area Drug Trafficking Takedown: A federal investigation targeting a major drug trafficking organization resulted in 16 indictments for fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution, with 11 guilty pleas secured to date.
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Operation Monarch: State, county, and local law enforcement conducted a month-long violent-crime warrant roundup in the Eastern Panhandle, arresting 34 individuals wanted for offenses including armed robbery and malicious wounding and recovering illegal firearms.
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Operation Spring Sweep: State Police and the U.S. Marshals CUFFED Task Force arrested 72 violent fugitives and noncompliant sex offenders across Kanawha, Putnam, and surrounding counties, conducted more than 200 compliance checks, and recovered two missing children.
“Our troopers, deputies, and officers are making it clear that crime has no safe haven in our state,” said Governor Morrisey. “We will never stop giving them the backing they need to enforce our laws and protect our families. We are saving lives, securing our future, and building a stronger West Virginia every single day.”
