Authorities arrest 12 people for meth trafficking in 2 Kentucky counties

HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — A drug trafficking investigation in Harlan County led to 12 people getting arrested, with more arrests pending

The Harlan County Sheriff’s Office called the operation a drug roundup and said the Loyall Police Department and Evarts Police Department assisted in making the arrests.

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The sheriff’s office said 12 people in Wallins and Clover Fork were arrested for drug trafficking.

1. Charles Howard, of Wallins, was arrested for first-degree trafficking in controlled substance methamphetamine.
   
2. Courtney Gooden, of Kenvir, was arrested for first-degree trafficking in controlled substance methamphetamine.
   
3. Dakota Furgerson, of Ages, was arrested for first-degree trafficking in controlled substance methamphetamine.
   
4. Heather Hobbs, of Wallins, was arrested for first-degree trafficking in controlled substance methamphetamine.
   
5. James Johnson, of Kenvir, was arrested for first-degree trafficking in controlled substance methamphetamine.
   
6. James Lawson, of Wallins, was arrested for first-degree trafficking in controlled substance methamphetamine.
   
7. James Starrett, of Lejunior, was arrested for first-degree trafficking in controlled substance methamphetamine.
   
8. Linda Honeycutt, of Wallins, was arrested for first-degree trafficking in controlled substance methamphetamine.
   
9. Shirley Lundy, of Harlan, was arrested for first-degree trafficking in controlled substance methamphetamine.
   
10. Tiffany Blevins, of Verda, was arrested for first-degree trafficking in controlled substance methamphetamine.
    
11. Tyler Osborne, of Verda, was arrested for first-degree trafficking in controlled substance methamphetamine, first-degree possession of controlled substance methamphetamine, and second-degree possession of a controlled substance.
    
12. William Lucas, of Wallins, was arrested for first-degree trafficking in controlled substance methamphetamine.

Officials said other drug investigations are ongoing in the county and more arrests are pending.

People are encouraged to report drug activity by calling (606) 573-1313, sending a message on Facebook, or using the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office website.

Dealing with overdose, saving a life

“The drug epidemic has taken a heavy toll on many families, who have suffered the tragic consequences of overdoses and fatalities. Our communities are facing the challenges of the epidemic, and law enforcement agencies are working hard to limit its effects. They collaborate with local treatment centers that offer ASAP programs and Casey Laws to help individuals and families who need support and care,” the task force said.

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Authorities said to never let someone “sleep it off.”

The drug naloxone , brand name Narcan , can reverse the effects of a drug overdose. A grant released in February made the life-saving measure more available in rural Kentucky communities .

Most health departments will give anyone over the age of 18 Narcan for free.

Symptoms of overdoes:

• The person won’t wake up
• Cold, clammy skin
• Slow or no breathing
• Blue lips or nails
• Tiny pupils
• Gurgling or snoring

Kentucky State Police and most police and sheriff’s offices also participate in the Operation Hope/Angel Program which helps those suffering from substance or alcohol dependency.

Anyone who comes forward will not be arrested or charged with any drug violations if they participate in a treatment program. They can also safely dispose of any drugs or any paraphernalia they might have on them without being arrested.

For more on the Angel Program, visit the Kentucky State Police website.

Getting help

“People are really struggling and might know they need help but are unsure of where to turn. It can be nerve wracking to take that first step, but it really can be the difference between life and death,” said Vanessa Keeton, ARC’s vice president of marketing, in a news release. “At ARC, many of us have been in that exact same situation, and we’re here to help you navigate the process every step of the way.”

Anyone struggling with addiction or drug dependency can call ARC’s hotline at (606) 638-0938 or visit their website to learn more .

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a national hotline to help those seeking help at 1-800-662-4357.

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