The Wisconsin Department of Justice has announced progress from its new Overdose Death Initiative, a multi-agency effort aimed at investigating opioid overdoses and holding drug distributors accountable.
Created in 2024 and formally designated a HIDTA initiative this year, the program pairs DOJ investigators with the Wisconsin National Guard’s Counterdrug Program and sheriff’s offices in Milwaukee and Washington counties. The pilot has supported 16 jurisdictions in southeastern Wisconsin.
So far, ODI teams have assisted in 21 investigations, leading to 58 arrests and 10 reckless-homicide charges — though officials emphasize all defendants are presumed innocent. Investigators have seized fentanyl, meth, cocaine, heroin, THC products and other drugs, along with several firearms, including machine guns, and more than $275,000 in cash…