Crime & Courts

Troopers arrest 7, seize cocaine and heroin in Bethel drug bust

A roughly two-month-long investigation into the Bethel drug trade ended Thursday with Alaska State Troopers making more than half a dozen arrests, after seizing more than $350,000 in drugs and money at a single home.

A Friday trooper dispatch said that the troopers' Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit began investigating Bethel sales of cocaine and heroin in late August.

"During the investigation, several suspects were identified as cocaine and heroin dealers in Bethel," troopers wrote. "SDEU was able to make drug purchases and identify suspects."

The Thursday service of a search warrant, conducted at a residence on Atsaq Street by members of the drug unit as well as Bethel-based troopers and local police, led to seizures including drug paraphernalia, 47.7 grams of heroin, 10.33 ounces of crack cocaine and $64,000 in cash.

"The street value of the drugs seized, in Bethel, is estimated at $289,000," troopers wrote.

Five men and one woman were charged with various felony counts of misconduct involving controlled substances: California residents Shawayne Jenkins, 34, and Ryan Daniels, 39, as well as Bethel residents Anthony Washington Sr., 57; Anthony Washington Jr., 30; Eric Kinegak, 34; and Melissa Beans, 36. All six allegedly sold drugs within 500 feet of a school, troopers said.

The seventh defendant, 30-year-old Albert Cleveland of Quinhagak, was charged with violating the conditions of his parole. Cleveland was held without bail, while Jenkins and Daniels were held on $500,000 bail each and Washington Sr. and Beans were held on $150,000 bail each.

Troopers are continuing to investigate the case.

Chris Klint

Chris Klint is a former ADN reporter who covered breaking news.

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