Kentucky State Police arrest hundreds in Operation Summer Heat 2.0

FRANKFORT, Ky. — A statewide drug operation has led to hundreds of arrests, targeting suspected drug networks operating in the commonwealth.

On Friday, a news release from Kentucky State Police said the agency’s Operation Summer Heat 2.0 was successful.

“Every Kentuckian should be safe and feel safe, and no Kentucky family should feel the pain of losing a loved one to addiction,” Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., 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.”

All 16 KSP posts participated in the operation.

Here’s a look at preliminary results outlined in the news release:

• 197 arrests and 490 charges issued

• The estimated street value of the drugs collected exceeds $640,000

• KSP also confiscated 82 firearms, $181,381 in cash, $200,000 worth of stolen property and also recovered a stolen vehicle

“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.”

The investigation remains active, and more arrests are expected in the coming weeks.

Last year, Operation Summer Heat saw 206 people arrested and nearly $685,000 worth of drugs removed from Kentucky streets.

KSP urges anyone with information about drug activity to contact one of its 16 posts, or submit an anonymous tip on the agency’s website.