10 people charged in Alaska drug trafficking ring

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska announced in a press release that on October 29 that 10 people have been charged through three indictments in connection with a drug trafficking organization operating in Anchorage.

According to court documents, Rodney Godwin, of Anchorage, is allegedly the leader of a drug trafficking organization responsible for trafficking kilograms of controlled substances in Alaska. From April 2023 to May 2024, Godwin allegedly conspired with at least nine other people to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and other controlled substances in Alaska.

Court documents allege that members of the organization used firearms during and in relation to drug trafficking crimes. On November 13, 2023, Jeremy Nichols, from Black Diamond, Washington, allegedly possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On May 31, 2024, Reigna Archuleta, also allegedly carried or used a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

According to a detention memo, Archuleta allegedly attempted to body smuggle roughly $21,000 in cash through the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport while traveling to Seattle with Godwin. The cash was seized at security.

Court documents also allege that Godwin and Miles Apatiki of Anchorage, conspired to launder money as part of the enterprise.

David Henry, 50, of Palmer, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Henry faces up to 20 years in prison.

In total, law enforcement has seized approximately 3.8 kilograms of fentanyl, 1.8 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.6 kilograms of cocaine, 1.3 kilograms of heroin and tens of kilograms of assorted other controlled substances allegedly connected to this drug trafficking organization.

The defendants were arrested and made their initial court appearances over the last five months before U.S. Magistrate Judges of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska.

U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Anchorage Field Office, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Anchorage Domicile, is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody Tirpak is prosecuting the case.