Frye Fentanyl Flight: Anchorage Man Admits Drug Conspiracy

ANCHORAGE, AK – Richard Frye, 36, of Anchorage, is facing up to 20 years behind bars after admitting his role in a large-scale drug trafficking operation flooding Alaska with fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. The conspiracy, allegedly directed by an inmate in a California prison, saw Frye and his associates attempt to move massive quantities of narcotics throughout the state.

The bust began on March 23, 2023, when Frye and co-conspirator Tiffani Couch, 31, dropped off Anna Petla, 25, at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Petla, attempting to board a flight to Sand Point, was intercepted by law enforcement who discovered nearly 3,000 blue fentanyl pills and over 80 grams of methamphetamine stashed in her backpack. Frye and Couch were immediately detained as they waited in their vehicle.

A search of Frye and Couch’s vehicle yielded another 500+ fentanyl pills and over 40 grams of additional controlled substances. But this wasn’t the end of it. On June 9, 2023, another traffic stop in Anchorage uncovered roughly 1,400 more blue fentanyl pills, over 12 grams of other drugs, and two loaded ammunition magazines. Authorities believe Frye intended to distribute these narcotics across Alaska, acting directly on behalf of the incarcerated ringleader.

The desperation to continue the operation didn’t stop there. Following his arrest on June 9th, a body scan at the Anchorage Correctional Complex revealed Frye had ingested fentanyl and suboxone, wrapped in cellophane and condoms, with the intent to distribute the drugs inside the jail. Released on bail, he attempted to smuggle roughly 70 suboxone strips into the detention facility just two days later, on June 25th, further cementing his commitment to the criminal enterprise.

Financial records reveal a clear flow of money linked to the operation. Between December 2022 and March 2023, Frye sent over $8,800 in 34 transfers to an account belonging to a co-conspirator, and received over $1,000 in return. Frye is scheduled for sentencing on November 13, 2025. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.

Co-defendants Tiffani Couch, 31, of Anchorage, pleaded guilty on May 9, 2025, and is set to be sentenced on January 22, 2026. Anna Petla, 25, of Dillingham, also pleaded guilty on June 4, 2025, with sentencing scheduled for September 16, 2025. The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford of the District of Oregon, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska recused. Special Attorney Steven D. Clymer, from the Northern District of New York, is overseeing the investigation, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, and IRS.