CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
FRANKFORT — Kentucky State Police arrested 206 people in a statewide drug sweep, authorities announced Thursday.
Operation Summer Heat follows a three-month investigation into suspected drug trafficking rings involving all 16 KSP posts. Preliminary results indicate 490 criminal charges among the 206 arrests.
Police seized 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 approximately $684,953. Authorities also recovered $37,159 in cash, $10,000 in stolen tools, and one stolen vehicle.
In a joint press release issued Thursday, KSP and Gov. Andy Beshear stated that the operation remains ongoing, with additional arrests expected.
“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,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. “This was an opportunity to remove deadly narcotics from our local communities and the money that drives this criminal activity.”
Initial arrests by state police posts were 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
The operation follows last month’s release of the 2023 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report, which showed a nearly 10% decrease in drug overdose deaths last year, marking the second consecutive annual decrease.
Commissioner Burnett encouraged anyone with information about illegal drug activity to contact one of KSP’s 16 posts. Citizens can also report tips confidentially through the KSP website tip form.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, the KY HELP Call Center can connect you to treatment by calling 833-8KY-HELP (833-859-4357). Findhelpnowky.org can also provide information about treatment programs near you.
Visit the KSP website to find a post where those suffering from addiction can be paired with a local officer who will assist with locating an appropriate treatment program through KSP’s Angel Initiative.