A federal jury found James Barber, 44, of Anchorage guilty on April 10 for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy that brought fentanyl into Alaska.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the distribution of dangerous drugs such as fentanyl in the state. Authorities say these operations pose significant risks to public health and safety.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Barber conspired with Aaron Washington, identified as the leader of the organization, and several others who have already pleaded guilty. The group imported fentanyl from Phoenix and Seattle before distributing it in Alaska. Between November 2024 and March 2025, Barber regularly retrieved luggage containing one to two kilograms of fentanyl from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport on behalf of the conspiracy.
On Nov. 14, 2024, Washington traveled from Anchorage to Phoenix to purchase fentanyl from a codefendant. Surveillance video later showed Washington bypassing baggage claim upon returning while Barber collected a checked suitcase separately. In another incident later that month, authorities seized two kilograms of fentanyl at the airport after Washington returned from Phoenix; texts indicated Barber was supposed to collect the bag but did not show up.
Investigators documented at least seven similar trips during this period. At all relevant times, Barber was under pretrial supervision for a prior federal case. The jury convicted him on charges including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and attempted possession with intent to distribute; an enhancement was added because he committed these crimes while on supervised release.
Several co-defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing: Aaron Washington is scheduled for sentencing May 28; Charlotte Hill on June 16; Erika Willers and Kenneth Degroff both on June 10; Glenn Cooper on July 10; and Afshin Manzar of Phoenix is set for sentencing May 11.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office led the investigation with support from local law enforcement agencies as part of coordinated task force efforts against drug trafficking organizations.
