A federal jury found James Barber, 44, of Anchorage guilty on April 10 for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy that targeted Alaska.
The conviction highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address the distribution of fentanyl and other controlled substances within the state. Authorities say that such conspiracies pose significant risks to public safety and health.
Court documents and evidence presented at trial showed that Barber conspired with Aaron Washington, identified as the leader of the organization, and several others who have already pleaded guilty. The group imported drugs, mainly fentanyl, from Phoenix and Seattle to distribute in Alaska. Between November 2024 and March 2025, Barber frequently retrieved luggage containing one to two kilograms of fentanyl from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport on behalf of the conspiracy.
On one occasion in November 2024, Washington traveled from Anchorage to Phoenix to purchase fentanyl before returning with it. Surveillance video showed Washington bypassing baggage claim while Barber collected a suitcase separately. In another incident later that month, law enforcement seized two kilograms of fentanyl at the airport after intercepting communications between Washington and Barber regarding pickup plans.
Authorities recorded at least seven similar trips during this period. At the time these offenses occurred, Barber was under pretrial supervision related to a previous federal case. The jury found him guilty of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and attempted possession with intent to distribute. He was also found guilty of an enhancement for committing these crimes while on supervised release for another matter. Sentencing guidelines indicate he faces between ten years and life in prison; sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge.
Several co-defendants—including Aaron Washington—have pleaded guilty in connection with this case and are awaiting sentencing over the coming months.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office led the investigation with help from state troopers, local police departments as part of Safe Streets Task Force initiatives, HIDTA teams at both Mat-Su and airport locations, as well as support from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
