Morrisey announces declines in crime, overdose deaths across West Virginia

CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Tuesday that reported violent crime, property crime and drug overdose deaths declined across West Virginia in 2025. According to the governor's office, reported violent crime fell 5.6%, from 4,310 offenses to 4,070. The administration said West Virginia's violent crime rate was 31% below the national average. Reported property crime declined 13.5%, falling from 19,289 offenses to 16,685. Drug overdose deaths decreased by 12%, representing 99 fewer deaths, according to the governor's office. 'Nothing matters more to me than you and your family's safety,' Morrisey said. '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.' The governor's office pointed to a combination of prevention and recovery programs, new laws and law enforcement operations as part of the state's approach to crime and drug trafficking. In April 2025, Morrisey signed Lauren's Law, which established mandatory minimum sentences for transporting fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine into West Virginia. The law also created new offenses related to drug kingpins and drug deliveries resulting in death and increased penalties for certain drug crimes. The West Virginia First Foundation, which was created following opioid settlements secured during Morrisey's time as attorney general, committed nearly $40 million to 171 community projects across the state through the end of 2025. The administration also highlighted several recent law enforcement operations. In Mercer County, 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 what the governor's office described as one of the largest fentanyl seizures in state history. During Operation Down The Road, State Police and the McDowell County prosecutor executed eight search warrants across Mercer, McDowell and Cabell counties. Authorities seized 12 pounds of fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine, brick presses, firearms and approximately $300,000 in narcotics. A federal investigation into a Charleston-area drug trafficking organization resulted in 16 indictments involving fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution, with 11 guilty pleas secured to date. Operation Monarch, a month-long violent-crime warrant roundup in the Eastern Panhandle, resulted in 34 arrests and the recovery of illegal firearms. During 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. Authorities also 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,' Morrisey said. '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.'