According to information given in a press release, Governor Andy Beshear announced today the successful launch of a comprehensive statewide drug operation by the Kentucky State Police (KSP) following a three-month investigation into suspected drug trafficking rings.
Dubbed “Operation Summer Heat,” the initiative saw the participation of all 16 KSP posts and has already yielded significant results. Preliminary outcomes of the operation include the arrest of 206 individuals and the issuance of 490 charges. The operation also led to the seizure of substantial quantities of illegal drugs:
554 grams of fentanyl, 219 grams of cocaine, 4,862 grams of methamphetamine, 41 grams of heroin, 40 grams of spice, 2,931 fentanyl pills, 50 hydrocodone pills, 64 oxycodone pills, 90 hallucinogens, and 14 firearms.
The street value of the seized drugs is estimated at approximately $684,953.50. In addition, the operation recovered $37,159 in cash, $10,000 in stolen tools, and one stolen vehicle.
Governor Beshear commended the efforts of the KSP, noting the broader impact on community safety and public health. “We have seen drug overdose deaths decline over the past two years and decreases in many of our serious crime rates – these results are in part thanks to the work of our Kentucky State Police,” Beshear said. “We are grateful for their continued commitment to help us build a better, safer Kentucky for all our families.” KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. echoed the governor’s sentiments, emphasizing the dedication and hard work of the officers involved. “This operation is a testament to the hard work of our detectives and post-level personnel, who are dedicated to keeping Kentuckians safe from the dangers of illegal drugs,” Burnett said. “This was an opportunity to remove deadly narcotics from our local communities and the money that drives this criminal activity.”
The operation is ongoing, and further arrests are anticipated. Initial arrests by state police posts are as follows:
– Post 1, Mayfield: 9
– Post 2, Madisonville: 20
– Post 3, Bowling Green: 6
– Post 4, Elizabethtown: 22
– Post 5, Campbellsburg: 1
– Post 6, Dry Ridge: 8
– Post 7, Richmond: 7
– Post 8, Morehead: 12
– Post 9, Pikeville: 37
– Post 10, Harlan: 3
– Post 11, London: 9
– Post 12, Frankfort: 1
– Post 13, Hazard: 18
– Post 14, Ashland: 9
– Post 15, Columbia: 36
– Post 16, Henderson: 8
This announcement comes on the heels of last month’s release of the 2023 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report, which revealed a nearly 10% decrease in drug overdose deaths last year, marking the second consecutive annual decline. Commissioner Burnett encouraged anyone with information on illegal drug activities to contact one of KSP’s 16 posts.
Citizens can also report tips confidentially through the KSP website’s tip form.
With Operation Summer Heat, Kentucky demonstrates a steadfast commitment to tackling the drug crisis head-on, making strides towards a safer, drug-free future for its communities.
