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Alaska HIDTA Initiative Increases Enforcement Efforts After Increased Overdose Deaths

December 26, 2024 (ANCHORAGE, AK) – Alaska law enforcement agencies, as part of the state's High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Initiative, increased their enforcement efforts in response to an increase in the deaths of Alaskans due to drug overdoses statewide in 2024.

Recognizing that no single agency can fight this battle alone, 22 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the state have partnered for a team approach to remove illicit fentanyl and other dangerous drugs from communities in Alaska. As part of these efforts, the agencies refocused their comprehensive efforts to interdict fentanyl and other substances at the Anchorage International Airport Complex, including cargo, parcel, mail, and passenger-carry modes of transportation.

As of December 15, 2024, law enforcement officers have seized just over 317 pounds of dangerous drugs transiting through the airport complex, including over 100 pounds of fentanyl. The fentanyl seized by law enforcement included 23 million potentially fatal doses destined for Alaska communities.

Through the HIDTA initiative, the Alaska State Troopers and United States Postal Inspection Service have increased efforts to identify and interdict drugs transiting through the United States Postal Service. The Alaska State Troopers and USPIS established a unique task force officer program, which, after completing additional training, allows Troopers to assist US Postal Inspectors in identifying and interdicting narcotics transiting the mail. The Alaska State Troopers, Anchorage Police Department, Anchorage Airport Police Officers, and local law enforcement officers from small communities have increased interdiction efforts at the passenger terminals in Anchorage to seize narcotics being carried by persons in their luggage or body. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska has designated additional federal prosecutors to process search warrants for U.S. Postal Service parcels in an effort to ensure that search warrants are applied expeditiously and charging decisions are swift.

“In 2024, our office assigned multiple attorneys to handle search warrants for U.S Postal Service parcels suspected of containing illicit substances, quadrupling the number of search warrants processed compared to last year. Because of this prioritization and our strong partnership with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Alaska State Troopers, parcel drug seizures have increased, preventing large quantities of dangerous drugs from reaching our communities,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “We are grateful for the ongoing dedication of USPIS and the Alaska State Troopers in protecting Alaskans. Our office will continue collaborating with all investigative partners to disrupt drug trafficking through effective investigations and prosecutions.”

"Alaska's local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are committed to doing our part to address the high rate of drug trafficking and overdose incidents occurring across our great state," said Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes. "To those trafficking these dangerous drugs in Alaska, know that sooner or later, Alaska's dedicated Alaska State Troopers and law enforcement officers will eventually catch up with you and hold you accountable for the death and destruction that you have caused our state."

“The Postal Inspection Service is committed to ensuring the U.S. Postal Service is not a mechanism to distributing deadly fentanyl and other illicit narcotics,” said USPIS Seattle Division Inspector in Charge Galetti. “When investigative and prosecutive efforts can come together to identify and charge individuals who distribute drugs throughout Alaska, it makes all our communities safer. We thank our state, local and federal partners for all the efforts and resources they’ve put into helping the US Postal Inspection Service to aggressively investigate those who use the US Mail in support of their criminal activities.”

Participating HIDTA law enforcement agencies are encouraging the public to report suspicious drug trafficking activity to AKtips, which can be done quickly online while remaining anonymous. Just download the AKTips smartphone app for iOS or Android. Alternatively, you can submit a tip securely by texting the keyword AKTIPS, followed by your crime tip to 847411.

Funding for the Alaska HIDTA Initiative is designated through the US Office of National Drug Control Policy. The Alaska HIDTA program, designated in May 2018, is spread throughout the state, and includes partnerships between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. More information about the Alaska HIDTA Initiative and participating agencies can be found at akhidta.org. Read More

Public Safety Academy Graduates 34 New Law Enforcement Officers

November 15, 2024 (Sitka, AK)— In a graduation ceremony today in Sitka, Alaska, 34 new law enforcement officers received their badges after completing the rigorous Alaska Law Enforcement Training Academy. A video recording of the graduation ceremony is available on the Alaska State Troopers Facebook page.

"These new officers represent the future of law enforcement in Alaska," said Lt. Governor Nancy Dahlstrom. "I am confident that they will uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and I wish them all the best as they embark on their careers."

Graduating recruits completed more than 1,000 hours of training over the course of 17 weeks of basic Alaska Law Enforcement Training. Recruits received intensive instruction in law enforcement-related topics, use-of-force and de-escalation, physical fitness, and many scenario-based exercises designed to prepare entry-level police officers and Troopers for successful careers in Alaska law enforcement.

"Having successfully completed our rigorous training program, these new officers are now prepared to serve and protect our communities,” said Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell. “Their dedication to public safety will undoubtedly enhance the security and well-being of all Alaskans. We are proud to welcome them to the law enforcement family.”

Graduates include:

Trooper Kyler Anderson, Alaska State Troopers

Officer Jorell Anievas, Anchorage Airport Police and Fire

Trooper Adam Belliston, Alaska State Troopers

Trooper Anthony Bigari, Alaska State Troopers

Trooper Nicholas Blanchard, Alaska State Troopers

Trooper Tyler Bosdell, Alaska Wildlife Troopers

Trooper William Brennan, Alaska State Troopers

Officer Kristoffer Cunanan, Kodiak Police Department

Trooper Evan Davis, Alaska State Troopers**

Officer Jacob Davis, Anchorage Airport Police and Fire

Trooper Julien Dreher, Alaska State Troopers

Officer Gavyn Gentry, Anchorage Airport Police and Fire

Trooper Georgia Gonzalez-Sudberry, Alaska Wildlife Troopers

Officer Marek Grieme, Soldotna Police Department

Trooper Wyatt Huston, Alaska State Troopers

Trooper Mitchell Keith, Alaska State Troopers

Officer Jacob Lewis, Anchorage Airport Police and Fire

Trooper Kenan Lousch, Alaska State Troopers

Trooper Angelina Martin, Alaska State Troopers

Trooper John Maynard, Alaska State Troopers**

Trooper Charlotte McNally, Alaska State Troopers

Trooper Jeremy Medina, Alaska State Troopers

Officer Juliana Osgood, North Slope Borough Police Department

Trooper Micah Pletsch, Alaska Wildlife Troopers

Deputy Fire Marshal Michael Radgosky, State Fire Marshal’s Office

Trooper Carlos Rivas, Alaska State Troopers

Trooper Sumitr “Donny” Saetan, Alaska State Troopers

Trooper John Simoneau, Alaska State Troopers

Trooper Caleb Smith, Alaska State Troopers

VPSO Devin Spears, Copper River Native Association

Trooper Jacob Stillie, Alaska State Troopers

Trooper John Van Diest, Alaska State Troopers

Trooper Klay Weeks, Alaska Wildlife Troopers

Officer Cody Woods, Juneau Police Department

Trooper recruits will complete one additional week of training focused on Department of Public Safety specific tasks, and other elements of law enforcement unique to the Alaska State Troopers. They will then arrive at their first duty assignments in either Fairbanks, Soldotna, or the Mat-Su Valley, and begin a Field Training and Evaluation Program. If successful, the Trooper recruits will be promoted to the rank of Trooper upon completion of their probationary period, generally 12 months from the start of the academy.

**Lateral recruits attended an abbreviated eight-week academy.
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Alaska State Fire Marshal Emphasizes the Importance of Smoke Detectors

October 1, 2024 (Anchorage, AK) – As the autumn chill settles in, fire safety is a paramount concern for Alaskans. Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a proclamation to recognize October as Fire Prevention month in Alaska. And as October 6 – 12 is Fire Prevention Week, the Division of Fire and Life Safety is emphasizing the critical role smoke detectors play in safeguarding lives and property. Smoke detectors are a simple yet effective tool that can provide early warnings of fire, allowing families to evacuate quickly and safely.

Lloyd Nakano, Alaska State Fire Marshal, emphasizes the importance of smoke detectors in every home: “Smoke detectors are your first line of defense against fire. They provide the precious seconds needed to escape safely. I urge all Alaskans to ensure their smoke detectors are in working order and to test them regularly. Together, we can make our communities safer.”

In Alaska there have been 21 fire related deaths to date in 2024. For full civilian fire fatality statistics, visit DPS Division of Fire & Life Safety.

Let’s make this week and all of October a month of awareness and action. Ensure your smoke detectors are working and join us in promoting fire safety throughout Alaska.

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