Several people were in custody Thursday after state authorities apparently raided the Alaska State Housing Authority, or ASHA housing neighborhood in Bethel.
Alaska State Troopers lead several people away in handcuffs Thursday afternoon. At least three were put in the back of police cars, but witnesses said there were more.
Western Alaska Alcohol and Narcotics Team’s Sgt. Kevin Blanchette carried an AR-15 and spoke about the effort.
“We’re currently conducting an investigation,” he said. “It’s an ongoing case involving the sale and distribution of narcotics here in Bethel.”
ASHA housing is one of Bethel’s most densely populated areas with many of the housing for low-income residents.
Bethel’s first liquor store in 40 years is on the next block, where an armed conflict occurred earlier this year.
Blanchette thanked the community for its help in the raid, echoing the words of FBI and U.S. Attorney’s office earlier this year when visiting Bethel.
“The troopers and other agencies are putting their best foot forward to help take care of the problem here in Bethel and everywhere else,” Blanchette said. “We ask the public if they have any info that could help us in our investigation to definitely give us a shout.”
Troopers have not released the names of the individuals taken into custody or if charges are pending.
The investigation is ongoing.
