OCALA, FL (352today.com) – In a visit to North Central Florida Media Wednesday morning, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods shared insights into the different struggles his department faces daily. From battling the fentanyl crisis to addressing concerns over sex trafficking, Sheriff Woods provided a candid look at law enforcement’s efforts to maintain safety and order.
Fentanyl: A Persistent Threat
Sheriff Woods told both Hunter and Dupree at Wind-FM and The Mr. Bob Morning Show at 93.7 K-Country that fentanyl remains at the forefront of Marion County’s battle against drug abuse, revealing that numerous cases link directly to cartel operations.
“Fentanyl is always at the top of the list right now because of the amount of overdoses we have,” said Sheriff Woods. “You know, it’s not just unique to Marion County; it’s across this nation.”
The intricate process of tracking and dismantling drug operations is just one of the challenges law enforcement faces in making substantial arrests.
The Hidden Scourge of Sex Trafficking
Sheriff Woods also said sex trafficking presents unique challenges for law enforcement, especially in its non-traditional forms, such as illegal operations masked as legitimate businesses.
“You know, that’s one of those things that’s out of sight, out of mind,” the sheriff said. “You think about it, it’s not the traditional sex trafficking that people would think of, you know, like the prostitutes walking the streets and that type of form.”
The sheriff mentioned that internet plays a significant role in facilitating sex trafficking, particularly targeting children, a nod to the dark side of technological advancements.
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Law Enforcement
Sheriff Woods emphasized the importance of long-term investigations and community vigilance in tackling crimes like sex trafficking and drug distribution.
He also said that the complexity of domestic violence cases and their prevention is a huge issue facing Marion County’s law enforcement.
“One of the things that disturbs me, the number one violent crime, domestic violence battery,” Woods said. “And any other crime related to violence, whether it be batteries, assaults, even homicides.”
The sheriff went on to say that incidents of domestic violence have now more than doubled, surpassing all other crimes in the area.
The Impact of Population Growth on Crime
Marion County’s rising population brings additional challenges to maintaining safety and order, stressing the importance of infrastructure and effective law enforcement strategy.
Sheriff Woods said he’d read an article on 352today revealing where people are moving to Ocala from and warned newcomers not to import problematic behaviors from other regions, urged them to respect and adapt to the local culture.
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Community Engagement and Awareness
In closing, the sheriff’s office encouraged community members to report suspicious activities, stressing that citizen involvement is crucial in the fight against crimes like sex trafficking.