United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ANCHORAGE– The Drug Enforcement Administration is participating in an advertising campaign launched by the Alaska High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) initiative. The Save a Life campaign is designed to help communities partner with law enforcement in the fight against drug trafficking and to help prevent drug overdoses in Alaska.  Between 2020 and 2021, Alaska experienced the largest percent increase of drug overdose deaths of any state in the United States.

The DEA’s Seattle Field Division includes Alaska, Washington, Oregon and Idaho.  The DEA laboratory has found that, of the fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills analyzed in 2022, six out of ten now contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.

Recognizing that we are stronger together, 22 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across Alaska have partnered for a team approach to remove illicit fentanyl and other dangerous drugs from communities across the state. 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. 

“DEA throughout Alaska is committed to working with our HIDTA partners and our communities to reduce the number of fentanyl poisonings plaguing our state,” said David A. Zahn, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DEA Anchorage District Office. DEA will continue to target the drug trafficking networks bringing fentanyl to Alaska as well as continue to participate in educational and community outreach programs to help inform our communities of the extreme dangers of fentanyl.”

The DEA and 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.

The DEA’s latest information on the dangers of fentanyl can be found at DEA.gov/OnePill.

###