Alaska expects to receive federal help in fighting drugs

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - Alaska expects to receive federal funding to help combat drug trafficking, following a request from Gov. Bill Walker.

The federal Office of National Drug Control Policy announced Tuesday that areas around Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau had been designated as high-intensity drug trafficking areas.

Walker’s office said the designation covers three of the state’s four judicial districts - most of Alaska.

The designation will allow the state to receive federal help in coordinating drug control efforts.

Jim Carroll, the drug policy office’s deputy director, said the designation will help the state address areas of concern, such as its ports of entry.

Walker said the designation, which he sought in January, provides more opportunities to share information and new resources to fight opioid abuse.

Walker last year issued a public health disaster declaration stemming from the abuse of opioids. He also signed an administrative order that, among other things, directed state agencies to pursue grant funds to help fight opioid abuse and called for the Alaska Department of Public Safety to look for ways to restrict entry of illegal drugs.

All 50 states now have areas covered by the high-intensity drug trafficking area program, which aims to assist in coordination among law enforcement agencies in areas considered drug trafficking regions.

To qualify for consideration in the program, an area must be a “significant center” of illegal drug production, importation or distribution, and additional federal help must be necessary to adequately respond to drug-related activities, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.