A major crime suppression effort in Anchorage has resulted in more than 100 arrests, the recovery of stolen vehicles, and the seizure of significant quantities of illegal drugs, following a five-day operation conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies.
Operation Summer Heat, which ended June 30, brought together 160 personnel from local, state, and federal agencies. The initiative focused on targeting a wide range of criminal activity throughout the city, including violent offenses, drug trafficking, outstanding warrants, traffic violations, and retail theft.
Anchorage Police reported that during the operation:
- 103 individuals were arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges
- 143 traffic stops were conducted
- 2 stolen vehicles were recovered
- More than 52 items were seized and entered into evidence
Large quantities of illegal narcotics were also confiscated, with the most prevalent being methamphetamine:
- 0.9 grams of crack cocaine
- 1,093.77 grams of cocaine
- 1,388.46 grams of fentanyl, equivalent to 600,000 lethal doses.
- 110.82 grams of powdered heroin
- 254.05 grams of methamphetamine, about 1,600 lethal doses
Some units involved in the operation used specialized officers who wore masks as part of their standard tactical gear. Law enforcement officials noted that this practice is used to protect the identities of undercover personnel and to preserve the integrity of ongoing investigations. The use of such equipment is common during high-risk enforcement efforts.
Operation Summer Heat represents one of the largest coordinated crime suppression efforts in Anchorage this year and reflects ongoing collaboration between agencies to address criminal threats and enhance public safety.
