DILLNGHAM: Bristol Bay Borough Police, the Western Alaska Alcohol and Narcotics Team, and state troopers in King Salmon can chalk up a pair of wins in the war on drug importation to Bristol Bay. On October 22, Anchorage-based WAANT investigators nabbed Tawnie Ann Myers, 27, of Naknek, preparing to board a flight back to King Salmon with 15.1 grams of heroin and two grams of methamphetamines. On October 25, state troopers stopped Henry C. Matson, 65, of Port Heiden, after he landed in King Salmon and they discovered an undisclosed amount of marijuana concealed in his luggage.
Myers’ bust came after the Borough Police were provided with an anonymous tip that the 27-year-old would be traveling to Anchorage and back for the purpose of importing drugs. Authorities believe Myers has done this trip to bring drugs back to Bristol Bay several times in the past few months. She was arrested at an Anchorage airport on an unrelated, but convenient for authorities, warrant for a shoplifting charge in Anchorage. Once in custody and a warrant was obtained, Myers’ belongings were searched, and the heroin and crystal meth were discovered.
The 15.1 grams of heroin is an estimated 151 doses, and is worth over $15,000 at Dillingham “street” prices. Bristol Bay Borough Police Chief Rodney Enevoldsen said Monday that the street value of heroin in the Naknek/King Salmon area is likely about the same as in Dillingham, though drug investigators aren’t entirely sure. Investigators have said they believe “uppers” like crystal meth have been the more prevalent drug of choice in Bristol Bay’s eastside communities, and heroin and other opioid “downers” more common on the westside.
“I know we haven’t seen this amount of heroin intercepted in a long time,” said Chief Enevoldsen. He believes heroin use is increasing in Naknek and King Salmon.
Myers was booked on three felony drug charges, the most serious class A felony pertaining to the possession and intent to sell the 15.1 grams of heroin. An Anchorage magistrate set her bail at $15,000 cash.
On Saturday, state troopers in King Salmon were provided information that a passenger inbound on a flight to King Salmon was importing marijuana. Troopers contacted Henry Clyde Matson, 65, after the plane arrived. According to their press release, troopers say Matson denied knowing what was in his luggage, but they allege he was “knowingly transporting and concealing” the pot.
Troopers did not specify how much marijuana was discovered. They issued Matson a court summons and he was released from custody.