CRAVEN COUNTY, N.C. -- The Craven County Sheriff's Department is cracking down on the ongoing opioid crisis.

• In the past 15 days, authorities said they have responded to 15 reported overdoses
• Newly elected Sheriff Chip Hughes plans to hire more personnel for the Narcotics Division
• He said he also plans to ask for four-wheel-drive vehicles to access more parts of the county

In the past 15 days, authorities said they have responded to 15 reported overdoses.

Newly elected Sheriff Chip Hughes said he is working with other law enforcement agencies to go after the issues from all angles.

Hughes said he plans to hire more personnel for the Narcotics Division, including some four-legged officers.

"I'm a big believer in the K-9 program. It works," said Hughes. "And in order to go after the flow of narcotics into this county, K-9s are going to be crucial."

He said he also plans to ask for four-wheel-drive vehicles to access more parts of the county in the attempt to seize narcotics.