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Governor Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police announced 197 drug related arrests as a result of “Operation Summer Heat,” with four of those arrests occurring in the KSP Post 10, Harlan, area.

According to a press release, all 16 KSP posts participated in the operation.

“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.”

The release states Operation Summer Heat 2.0 resulted in approximately 197 arrests on 490 charges. Police seized 1,176 grams of cocaine, 3,002 grams of fentanyl, 6,046 grams of methamphetamine, 408 grams of heroin, 97 doses of hydrocodone, 600 fentanyl pills, 67 doses of hallucinogens and 127 oxycodone doses. Additionally, 82 firearms were confiscated along with $181,381 in cash, stolen property totaling $200,000 including one stolen vehicle. The drugs had an estimated street value in excess of $640,000.

“This mission was about more than making arrests, it was about disrupting the criminal enterprises that threaten 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.

In other police activity:

• Robert Holbrook, 46, of Harlan, was arrested by the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office on July 10. He was charged with probation violation. Holbrook was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center;
• Joyce Jones, 51, of Wallins, was arrested on July 10, by the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office. She was charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), first-degree possession of a controlled substance (drug unspecified), and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. Jones was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center;
• James Cornett, 52, of Cumberland, was arrested by the Cumberland City Police Department on July 11. He was charged with first-degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle), first-degree fleeing or evading police (on foot), first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer, and reckless driving. Cornett was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center;
• Sim York, 51, of Baxter, was arrested by the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office on July 7. He was charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), first-degree possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl), first-degree possession of a controlled substance (heroin), operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and careless driving. York was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center;
• Leeann Smith, 36, was arrested by the Office of Probation and Parole on June 14. She was charged with probation violation. Smith was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center.