Alaska State Troopers have intercepted narcotics and alcohol headed to the North Slope, after detaining three Utqiaġvik women allegedly carrying drugs.
Troopers say the methamphetamine, fentanyl and illicit alcohol seized had a combined street value of $220,000 in Utqiaġvik, where the substances were bound.
Drug investigators intercepted Christina Frantz last Friday at the Anchorage airport. Troopers say the 28-year-old had 12 bottles of concealed liquor, 1.8 grams of meth and 100 counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl in her checked luggage.
The following day, investigators detained Salomi Nageak following “suspicious traveler behavior.” The 37-year-old was allegedly carrying 48 grams of methamphetamine and 500 counterfeit M30 fentanyl pills.
On Monday, investigators stopped the third woman, 41-year-old Jessika Hopson. Troopers say Hopson was carrying eight concealed bottles of alcohol and 210 grams of methamphetamine.
All three women are in custody at Hiland Mountain Correctional Center.
According to trooper spokesperson Austin McDaniel, there is no known connection between the seizures and arrests besides the Utqiaġvik destination. He said these are still active investigations and additional charges may be filled.
