Alaska HIDTA initiative announces statewide advertising campaign

WASILLA — Alaskan law enforcement agencies in the Alaska High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) initiative announced the launch of a statewide advertising campaign aimed at combating drug trafficking and the prevention of consequential drug overdoses across the state.

The Alaska HIDTA program was established in May 2018, utilizing partnerships between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

According to a recent press release, Alaska experienced the largest increase of drug overdose deaths of any state in the United Statesm between 2020 and 2021, prompting 22 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the state to work together to remove illicit fentanyl and other dangerous drugs from communities.

These agencies launched a multifaceted advertising campaign designed to expand on the HIDTA initiative and empower Alaskans to report suspicious drug trafficking activities and behaviors to law enforcement.

“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,” Alaska HIDTA Executive Board/Alaska State Trooper Colonel Mo Hughes stated in the press release. “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 public is encouraged to report suspicious drug trafficking activity to the AKtips app, which can be done quickly online while remaining anonymous.

Tips can also be made online at akhidta.org or by texting the keyword 'AKTIPS' followed by the crime tip to 847411.

More information about the Alaska HIDTA Initiative and participating agencies can be found at akhidta.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com