W.Va. sees drops in violent crime, overdoses, Morrisey announces

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVVA) — Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a drop in violent crime, property crime and drug overdose deaths across West Virginia today. State officials reported that violent crime fell by 5.6% in 2025, keeping West Virginia's rate 31% below the national average. Property crime also saw a 13.5% decrease, while drug overdose deaths dropped by 12%, resulting in 99 fewer lives lost. 'In West Virginia, we're taking an aggressive approach to protect your loved ones: crime down, enforcement up,' Morrisey said in a statement. State leaders credit a combination of prevention, recovery programs and stricter laws for the decline. In April 2025, Morrisey signed Lauren's Law, which established mandatory minimum sentences for smuggling fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine into the state. Recent law enforcement crackdowns have also targeted major trafficking rings: Mercer County Fentanyl Seizure: State and local task forces seized 54 pounds of fentanyl and 70 pounds of crystal meth in one of the largest drug busts in state history. Operation Down The Road: Searches across McDowell, Mercer, and Cabell counties led to the seizure of 12 pounds of fentanyl and $300,000 in narcotics. 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. 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. Operation Spring Sweep: State Police and the U.S. Marshals arrested 72 violent fugitives and sex offenders in Kanawha, Putnam, and surrounding areas, additionally recovering 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.'