West Virginia U.S. Attorney Appointed to Lead Regional Drug Trafficking Task Force

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United States Attorney Matthew L. Harvey of the Northern District of West Virginia has been appointed as Vice Chair of the Washington-Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Executive Board. This leadership position will involve guiding efforts to combat the pervasive issues of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other illicit drug trafficking that spans across multiple states. The Washington-Baltimore HIDTA program is a crucial component of the national strategy to address drug threats and encompasses 29 counties and 12 cities within Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and West Virginia.

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In the previous year, 2025, the Washington-Baltimore HIDTA’s supported task forces achieved significant successes, disrupting or dismantling 125 drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. This intensive work resulted in the seizure of over $84 million worth of illegal drugs throughout the region. Beyond enforcement, HIDTA also plays a vital role in supporting initiatives aimed at substance use prevention and treatment. One such initiative is the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAPS), a free web-based tool that offers near real-time data on suspected overdose incidents, providing valuable insights for public health responses.

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U.S. Attorney Harvey stated that combating drug trafficking is central to his responsibilities as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia. He acknowledged the ongoing high number of overdose fatalities in West Virginia and expressed his commitment to continuing this critical work, with his new role as Vice Chair expected to further advance these efforts. The Executive Board, of which Harvey is now a member, is tasked with assessing regional drug threats, devising strategies to counter them, and implementing initiatives designed to mitigate harm to residents within the affected areas. The Washington-Baltimore HIDTA provides funding for important local initiatives, including the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force and The Martinsburg Initiative, a prevention program focused on assisting children in Berkeley County Schools.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of West Virginia

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