S. Lane Tucker, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office District of Alaska
A Fairbanks resident, Kevin Shank, has been sentenced to over 14 years in prison for possessing and intending to distribute more than 12 kilograms of illegal drugs. This decision follows a series of events that began in August 2023 when law enforcement was tipped off about Shank's drug activities.
Court documents reveal that by February 2024, authorities had observed Shank selling heroin and fentanyl pills from his home. A search warrant executed on March 19, 2024, led to the discovery of significant quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl tablets and powder, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, suboxone, Xanax, firearms, homemade suppressors, ammunition, cash exceeding $303,000 and a truck linked to drug trafficking profits.
The controlled substances were mostly hidden in a secret compartment within Shank's residence. Firearms were strategically placed at various entry points. On November 26, 2024, Shank pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute. His sentence includes five years of supervised release and a $25,000 fine.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn R. Vogel commented on the case: “Mr. Shank possessed roughly 22 pounds of controlled substances... This case marks the largest drug seizure in Fairbanks history.” She emphasized the commitment to dismantling drug trafficking operations.
David F. Reames from the DEA Seattle Field Division highlighted the severity of Shank's actions: “Drug traffickers like Mr. Shank... pose an especially grave threat.” He noted that the seized fentanyl could have resulted in over 85,000 lethal doses.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the DEA Seattle Field Division and Fairbanks Resident Office with support from local police departments as part of the Fairbanks Area Narcotics Team (FANT). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek.
