CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor Patrick Morrisey today 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.”
Hmmm…interesting read. Where to begin.
I wonder about not only the source of this information, ,as well as terminology.
“Reported crimes”..how many ppl have given up reporting because there is no follow ups or arrest?. Does paperwork actually get filed and is lost or stolen/damaged property entered in the database as such?
Also, I would think major decline would mean by a half or third. This is not.
Yes…And how does our county align with the rest of counties as we’re lumped in with?.
Example: population, offenses per capita..how many law enforcement available (and willing to respond)
I’m willing to give credit where it’s due. But less overdose deaths could also directly equate to the availability of narcan shots…(tax payer funded of course) so some of these people can continue abusing irresponsibly.
Yeah. Just another nobody noticing. It’s not just me though. Had an older man who worked for ems in another area while teaching class…Tell us of responding to, and reviving the same young man that had overdosed 2x in the same week.
So…That could have been one unfortunate call. Instead, No1 learned…it happened again by luck this same man is called out..And approaching retirement has a whole different take on his life’s work. It’s got to be sad.
This subject isn’t taken seriously enough here. There is a lot of lying n blame flying around. These offenders are allowed and ‘directed ‘ how to operate. If you could only hear them yourselves!..(I have…)
Anyways let’s see how 2026 numbers stack up!!!
We can and should do better.
People ARE going to get seriously hurt and worse.