FRANKFORT, KY – Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday 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.
“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 our Kentucky State Police,” said Gov. Beshear. “We are grateful for their continued commitment to help us build a better, safer Kentucky for all our families.”
“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
Thursday's 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.
Earlier this year, Gov. Beshear announced that Kentucky’s Counterdrug Program helped save Kentuckians’ lives by supporting the seizure of 265,170 fentanyl pills and 208.3 pounds of fentanyl during the 2023 federal fiscal year, which runs Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. The group also supported the seizure of 822 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 310 pounds of cocaine, enabled 164 arrests and facilitated surrender of more than $2.3 million in cash tied to illegal drug activity in 2023. Recently, the Governor signed the 2025 State Drug Interdiction and Counterdrug Activities Plan, continuing this important, life-saving work.
On July 1, the Commonwealth of Kentucky released the 2023 Crime in Kentucky report published by KSP. The annual statewide crime report indicates crime rates have remained stable with a decline in offenses for homicide, burglary, robbery, sex offenses, kidnapping and gambling. For the last three consecutive years, homicide rates have been declining.
The administration has recorded the three lowest recidivism rates in over a decade. This year, Gov. Beshear announced a new website to support Kentuckians seeking second chances find a job, get an education or continue recovery. The site also connects business leaders with resources to help them hire second-chance talent.
In 2023, the state supported the distribution of more than 160,000 doses of Narcan were distributed. The state’s Treatment Access Program also allows those without health insurance to enter residential treatment, and the Recovery Ready certification helps communities support residents who are seeking help for drug or alcohol addiction.
The state is also leading the nation in the number of residential drug and alcohol treatment beds per capita. And last year, Gov. Beshear announced a new searchable website to help people in recovery find housing, FindRecoveryHousingNowKY.org.
Throughout his time in elected office, Gov. Beshear has made increasing public safety, deterring crime and fighting human trafficking and sex offenses a core mission. The Beshear-Coleman administration believes every single Kentuckian has the right to feel safe in their community, workplaces and schools, and the Governor has taken steps to increase public safety. In the last two years, his administration has secured a historic more than $18,000 pay increase for KSP troopers and officers. Due to these increases and the tireless efforts from the KSP recruitment branch, more than 1,000 sworn personnel are now wearing the badge of honor, the highest number since 2017.
Since taking office, Gov. Beshear has awarded nearly $10 million in grant funding to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in purchasing the tools and resources that will not only allow them to protect Kentucky communities but will also ensure their safety as they stand on the front lines every day. In August 2023, the administration awarded $2.1 million in grant funding to enhance public safety, curb the sale of illegal drugs and fight addiction.
Treatment Resources 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.
# # #
