Drug Trafficking Kingpin Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison
A Fairbanks man was sentenced to over 14 years in prison for possessing with intent to sell over 12 kilograms of controlled substances.
Kevin Shank, 46, was found guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute. He was sentenced to 14 years and 3 months in prison, and will serve an additional 5 years on supervised release. Shank was also ordered to pay a $25,000 fine as part of his sentence.
The charges stemmed from a investigation that began in August 2023, when law enforcement received information that Shank was selling controlled substances from his residence in Fairbanks. In February 2024, an individual purchased 1.1 grams of heroin and 21 blue fentanyl pills from Shank, prompting law enforcement to execute a search warrant on his residence on March 19, 2024.
During the search, authorities discovered and seized over 6.1 kilograms of methamphetamine, over 2.4 kilograms of fentanyl tablets, nearly one kilogram of fentanyl powder, nearly one kilogram of cocaine, over 1.7 kilograms of marijuana, and smaller amounts of heroin, suboxone and Xanax. They also seized seven firearms, two homemade suppressors and various ammunition, as well as over $303,000 in cash and a truck purchased with drug trafficking proceeds.
Court documents explain that most of the controlled substances were found in a secret compartment in a small side room of the residence, while several firearms were staged at entrances to the residence and the side room.
“Mr. Shank possessed roughly 22 pounds of controlled substances, including seven pounds of illicit fentanyl, intended for distribution to profit at the expense of Alaskans safety,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn R. Vogel for the District of Alaska. “This case marks the largest drug seizure in Fairbanks history, and we thank our law enforcement partners for their efforts. This sentence underscores our strong commitment to dismantling drug trafficking supplies and to holding those accountable who endanger our communities by trafficking illegal, dangerous drugs.”
“Drug traffickers like Mr. Shank, who profit from the pain they cause selling poison to our neighbors, pose an especially grave threat,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “The fentanyl alone seized in this case amounted to more than 85,000 potentially lethal doses. Make no mistake: If you deal drugs in Alaska, DEA and our partners will hold you accountable.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Division and Fairbanks Resident Office, with assistance from the FBI Anchorage Field Office, Alaska State Troopers, Fairbanks Police Department, North Pole Police Department, North Slope Borough Police Department and Fairbanks Airport Police Department as part of the Fairbanks Area Narcotics Team (FANT). Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek prosecuted the case.
Kevin Shank’s guilty plea and sentencing on November 26, 2024, marked a significant blow to the local drug trafficking scene, and serves as a warning to those who would seek to profit from the sale of illicit substances.
Shank’s lengthy prison sentence and significant fine are a testament to the dedication of law enforcement and the justice system to hold accountable those who engage in drug trafficking and put the safety of Alaskan communities at risk.
With this conviction and sentence, the people of Fairbanks can rest a little easier knowing that those who would seek to harm them through the sale of illegal drugs will be held accountable.
Key Facts
- State: Alaska
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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