United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Andrew Madison Straley III, 50, of Dillingham, Alaska, was named in the indictment charging him with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance. Straley is currently awaiting a court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on the federal charge.

According to the criminal complaint, on Nov. 19, 2018, law enforcement officers observed Straley arrive at the Anchorage International Airport and check in for a flight bound for Dillingham. Straley did not check any bags, but allegedly made a comment to another passenger that he needed to “go pick something up” before departing the airport as a passenger in a red sedan. Approximately one hour later, Straley arrived back at the airport in the same car, and began walking toward his departure gate, carrying a blue roller bag. Straley was contacted by law enforcement officers at the departure gate and was detained. A trained narcotics K-9 examined Straley’s luggage and subsequently alerted to the presence of controlled substances. Straley consented to a search of his luggage, and located inside was approximately 114.6 grams of methamphetamine, numerous baggies commonly used for the packaging and distribution of drugs, and numerous glass pipes.

If convicted, Straley faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and a maximum of up to life in prison, as well as a fine of up to $10 million, for the charge alleged in the indictment. Under federal sentencing statutes, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Anchorage Airport Interdiction Team, which includes the Alaska State Troopers (AST), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Sandpoint Police Department, the Anchorage Police Department, the North Slope Borough Police Department, and the Anchorage Airport Police, conducted the investigation leading to the charge in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Vandergaw.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.