KSP arrests 197 in statewide drug operation at all 16 posts

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Government officials announced the Kentucky State Police (KSP) arrested 197 people in a statewide drug operation, and 32 of those people were in western Kentucky.

Officials with Governor Beshear’s office announced the KSP completed a “Operation Summer Heat 2.0,” targeting suspected drug networks operating in the commonwealth and leading to 197 arrests.

“Every Kentuckian should be safe and feel safe, and no Kentucky family should feel the pain of losing a loved one to addiction,” Gov. Beshear said. “Because of the Kentucky State Police, we are accomplishing both of these goals, and we are thankful for the agency’s dedication to every single one of our commonwealth’s communities.”

Officials say all 16 posts participated in Operation Summer Heat 2.0, and preliminary results indicate the following:

• 197 arrests
• 490 charges issued
• Combined seizure of:
  • 3,002 grams of fentanyl
  • 1,176 grams of cocaine
  • 6,046 grams of methamphetamine
  • 408 grams of heroin
  • 600 fentanyl pills
  • 97 hydrocodone doses
  • 127 oxycodone doses
  • 67 doses of hallucinogens
• Troopers confiscated:
  • 82 firearms
  • $181,381 in cash
  • $200,000 worth of stolen property
  • Recovered one stolen vehicle

Officials say the estimated street value of the drugs collected exceeds $640,000. The investigation remains active, and more arrests are expected in the coming weeks.

“This mission was about more than making arrests, it was about disrupting the criminal enterprises that threatens the safety and health of Kentuckians,” KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said. “I am proud of our personnel, who worked tirelessly to take these dangerous drugs off the streets and who will continue working to keep every community safe.”

Here are the initial arrests made by KSP posts that cover the Eyewitness News coverage area:

• Post 2, Madisonville: 21
• Post 16, Henderson: 11

State officials say last year, Operation Summer Heat saw 206 people arrested and nearly $685,000 worth of drugs removed from Kentucky streets. The Kentucky State Police encourages the public to share any information related to drug activity by contacting one of its 16 posts or submitting an anonymous tip on KSP’s website.

Treatment resources

Officials with Gov. Beshear’s office say if anyone is struggling with addiction, the KY HELP Call Center can connect them to treatment by calling 833-859-4357.

According to state officials, information about treatment programs all across the commonwealth is available here. Information on how to obtain naloxone, which is used to reverse an opioid overdose, can be found at that website, as well as here and here.

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