Last Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the successful launch of a statewide drug operation by the Kentucky State Police following a three-month investigation targeting suspected drug trafficking rings.
Out of the 16 posts participating in Operation Summer Heat, Columbia’s Post 15 had the second highest number of arrests coming in at 36—one arrest shy of Pikeville’s 37 arrests.
In total, 206 arrests were made across the Commonwealth with 490 charges being issued. Statewide, KSP seized $684,953.50 worth of illicit drugs including fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and more. Additionally, $37,159 in cash and $10,000 in stolen tools were recovered, along with one stolen vehicle. 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 of our Kentucky State Police,” said Beshear. “We are grateful for their continued commitment to help us build a better, safer Kentucky for all our families.”
Beshear’s statement on drug overdose deaths is supported by and follows last month’s release of the 2023 Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Report which showed that the Commonwealth saw a nearly 10 percent decrease in drug overdose deaths last year for the second consecutive annual decrease.
