Two federal cases have revealed drug trafficking networks that point to Alaska as a hub of the illicit trade.
Starting last March, three Juneau residents allegedly conspired to acquire meth for sale in Alaska. The trio also allegedly plotted to launder the money from their activities.
A joint task force that includes the Juneau Police Department and Alaska State Troopers are investigating the case, which appears to be part of a growing trend.
In a different, unrelated case, two men from Vegas allegedly conspired to possess fentanyl for distribution in Alaska. Investigators say that another Alaskan from Kenai has been charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and being a felon in control of a firearm. This person had prior felony convictions in the Kenai Superior Court.
“These cases are a reminder that our office takes seriously the threat of drug traffickers targeting Alaska, and we will be relentless in working with our law enforcement partners in stopping the flow of dangerous drugs to keep Alaskans safe,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska.
Last year, Alaska State Troopers seized just over 570,000 pounds of narcotics. That was a 76 percent increase over the previous year, which saw record overdose deaths.
The majority of the seizures involve methamphetamine, but there has been a notable rise in the amount of fentanyl trickling into the state. Indeed, approximately 100 pounds of the drug were intercepted last year at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. In 2021, fentanyl deaths spiked by 150 percent, according to the Alaska Department of Health.
Alaska may not seem like a magnet for illicit drug trade, but traffickers will find that people in remote communities pay a premium.
In 2023, The Alaska Annual Drug Report found that the “disparity between prices in the contiguous United States and Alaska presents an incentive for drug trafficking organizations to import and distribute drugs into and throughout the state.”
“Moreover, there is a strong correlation between distance from a regional hub and price—the farther a drug or alcohol is trafficked from a regional hub the greater the retail price.”
In other words, a pill that costs $10 in Las Vegas might net a dealer $50 in Utqiagvik. Prices within the state also vary. For example, a dosage unit of fentanyl can cost $15 or $100, depending on whether you are buying in Anchorage or Kodiak.
According to the Justice Department, both of these cases are part of “Operation Take Back America.” In March, the Trump administration said that it launched the initiative “to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations.” As with meth, most fentanyl enters the United States from Mexico, but precursors for the drug also come from China.
Alaska’s challenging geography and isolated communities, which make enforcement difficult, have made it an ideal location for drug traffickers inside and outside of the U.S.
They can’t get here quick enough. Drugs are rampant all over the state, especially fentanyl from Mexico. The drug cartels have made huge loads of cash from the Alaska trade. It actually is similar to the late 70’s and early 80’s when cocaine was being run to Alaska out of Miami and San Francisco on fishing boats. A free for all. 70% of the AK Legislature was hooked on coke because Juneau was one of the destinations for the fishing boats. Wild times.
“Last year, Alaska State Troopers seized just over 570,000 pounds of narcotics.”
I think the decimal place needs to be moved to the left several places.