FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 11, 2024) – Gov. Andy Beshear has announced the successful launch of a statewide drug operation by the Kentucky State Police following a three-month investigation into suspected drug trafficking rings.
All 16 posts participated in Operation Summer Heat, and preliminary results indicate: 206 arrests and 490 charges issued; and combined seizure of 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 illicit drugs seized is approximately $684,953.50. Additionally, $37,159 in cash, $10,000 in stolen tools and one stolen vehicle were recovered during the operation. The operation remains ongoing, and additional arrests will be made.
“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 post:
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 announcement follows last month’s release of the 2023 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report, which showed that the commonwealth saw a nearly 10% decrease in drug overdose deaths last year. This is the second consecutive annual decrease. Commissioner Burnett stated that anyone with illegal drug activity information is encouraged to contact one of KSP’s 16 posts. Citizens may also report tips confidentially through the KSP website tip form.