Alaska HIDTA Initiative Announces Statewide Advertising Campaign and Efforts to Combat Drug Trafficking

January 5, 2023 (ANCHORAGE, AK) – Today, law enforcement agencies in the Alaska High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) initiative announced the launch of a statewide advertising campaign aimed at combatting drug trafficking and the prevention of consequential drug overdoses in Alaska.  This law enforcement effort follows reports that, between 2020 and 2021, Alaska experienced the largest percent increase of drug overdose deaths of any state in the United States.

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 launched a comprehensive advertising campaign designed to empower Alaskans to report suspicious drug trafficking activities and behaviors to law enforcement. By doing so, Alaskans can help save countless lives from overdose, as law enforcement works to mitigate the threat of illicit fentanyl and other dangerous drugs across Alaska. 

“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 state,” said Alaska State Trooper Colonel Mo Hughes, Chair of the Alaska HIDTA Executive Board. “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."

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 online at the following website: akhidta.org or text the keyword AKTIPS, followed by your crime tip to 847411.

Funding for this advertising campaign is provided by federal HIDTA funding that the Alaska initiative receives annually from 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.

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