Law enforcement lead several people away in handcuffs with guns drawn Thursday afternoon in what appeared to be a raid in the Alaska State Housing Authority, or ASHA housing neighborhood, in Bethel.
State authorities took several individuals into custody. At least three were put in the back of police cars, but witnesses say there were more.
Sergeant Kevin Blanchette, of the WAANT Western Alaska Alcohol and Narcotics Team, carrying an AR-15 assault rifle, spoke about the effort.
“We’re currently conducting an investigation. It’s an ongoing case involving the sale and distribution of narcotics here in Bethel," Blanchette said.
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. One officer warned that assault rifles law enforcement were holding during the raid were loaded and ready in case of retaliation.
Sergeant Blanchette thanked the community for its help in the raid, echoing the words of FBI and US 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. We ask the public if they have any info that could help us in our investigation to definitely give us a shout," Blanchette said.
Troopers have not named the individuals taken into custody or on what charges.