An Anchorage man was sentenced on Mar. 11 to more than 13 years in prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin across Alaska. The case is linked to a drug trafficking organization allegedly led by an inmate in California.
The sentencing highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address the spread of dangerous drugs like fentanyl within Alaska communities and correctional facilities. Authorities say the case demonstrates the lengths traffickers will go to distribute illegal substances both outside and inside prisons.
According to court documents, Richard Frye, 37, worked with co-conspirators Tiffani Couch and Anna Petla to transport large quantities of controlled substances. On March 23, 2023, Frye and Couch drove Petla to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, where officials found her carrying nearly 3,000 blue fentanyl pills and over 80 grams of methamphetamine intended for distribution in Sand Point. Law enforcement later detained Frye and Couch outside the airport and discovered additional drugs in their vehicle.
On June 9, 2023, Frye attempted to flee during a traffic stop while he was wanted on an outstanding warrant. Officers recovered about 1,400 blue fentanyl pills and other controlled substances from his vehicle along with two loaded ammunition magazines. After being booked into custody at Anchorage Correctional Complex following his arrest that day, staff discovered Frye had ingested fentanyl and suboxone wrapped in cellophane with plans to distribute them inside the facility.
Frye was released on bail but continued discussing smuggling suboxone strips into the correctional complex due to high demand within the facility. He was detained again after a bail hearing on June 23, and two days later officers found him attempting to bring approximately 70 suboxone strips into detention.
Court records also show that between December 2022 and March 2023, Frye used digital money transfers totaling over $8,800 sent to a co-conspirator’s account while receiving nine transfers totaling more than $1,000 from the same individual.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon said: “With today’s sentence, we are one step closer to dismantling Alaska’s largest drug trafficking enterprise. I am grateful for the collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to hold those involved in trafficking fentanyl accountable.”
Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Division said: “This defendant’s actions show the lengths traffickers will go to peddle poison in correctional facilities and in our communities in Alaska… Through enforcement, education, awareness, and strong partnerships with our law enforcement colleagues, we are working every day toward a Fentanyl Free America.”
Co-defendants Tiffani Couch of Anchorage and Anna Petla of Dillingham each pleaded guilty last year; both received four-year prison sentences followed by three years’ supervised release.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska recused itself from this case except for certain personnel; Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer from New York served as Special Attorney under direction from senior Department of Justice officials.
Multiple agencies participated in investigating this case including Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Division Office and Anchorage District Office; FBI Anchorage Field Office; IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office; U.S. Postal Inspection Service Seattle Division; Homeland Security Investigations Anchorage; Alaska State Troopers; and Anchorage Police Department.
