A sweeping investigation into suspected drug trafficking rings has resulted in over 200 arrests and drug seizures valued at nearly $685,000, according to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. He also highlighted the importance of prevention and treatment programs in combating the deadly addiction epidemic, the Associated Press reports. The crackdown, dubbed Operation Summer Heat, is ongoing and will result in additional arrests, Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said.
The statewide drug operation has netted 206 arrests on a combined 490 charges, with trafficking in a controlled substance accounting for a majority, Burnett said. Drug seizures totaled 554 grams of fentanyl, 219 grams of cocaine, 4,862 grams of methamphetamine, 41 grams of heroin, 2,931 fentanyl pills, 50 hydrocodone pills, 64 oxycodone pills and 90 hallucinogens, the commissioner said. The street value of the illicit drugs seized is about $684,953. Authorities also recovered $37,159 in cash, $10,000 in stolen tools and one stolen vehicle during the operation, he said. The operation took out of circulation both lethal narcotics and the money that helps fuel drug trafficking operations, the state police commissioner added. Beshear on Thursday stressed the importance of treatment, calling it an example of “living our faith and values” by offering second chances for people fighting to overcome addiction. So far, 14 of Kentucky’s 120 counties have gained Recovery Ready certification. The designation recognizes a commitment to providing access to addiction treatment and recovery support and removing barriers to the workforce.
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