A federal grand jury in Alaska has indicted two Anchorage residents, Corey Clifton and Elizabeth Cruickshank, on charges related to trafficking fentanyl and laundering drug proceeds. The indictment alleges that between August 2024 and February 2025, the pair conspired to distribute over 4.5 kilograms of fentanyl in Alaska. On August 6, 2024, Clifton allegedly sent a parcel containing more than 4.2 kilograms of fentanyl pills from Washington to Cruickshank in Alaska.
Court documents also indicate that between November 7, 2024, and February 19, 2025, Cruickshank attempted to possess fentanyl with intent to distribute on three occasions. Additionally, on August 8, 2024, Clifton was accused of possessing firearms and ammunition as a felon with prior serious drug felony convictions from the years 2015 and 2017.
The indictment further claims that from April 2024 through early 2025, Clifton and Cruickshank laundered over $500,000 in drug proceeds. Both defendants have been charged with multiple counts including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and money laundering conspiracy.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska announced the charges alongside officials from several law enforcement agencies involved in investigating the case: DEA Seattle Field Division and Anchorage District Office; USPIS Anchorage Domicile; IRS CI Seattle Field Office; Alaska State Troopers; and HIDTA’s SCAN team.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mac Caille Petursson and Cody Tirpak are handling the prosecution under the framework of both the Alaska Parcel Interdiction Initiative—a partnership aimed at disrupting narcotics trafficking through mail—and Operation Take Back America.
"This case is part of Operation Take Back America," an initiative focused on eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime and drug trafficking.
Both defendants appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle F. Reardon for their initial court appearances. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to life imprisonment.
An indictment remains an allegation until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
