ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Ten people, more than half of whom are from Anchorage, are facing charges in connection with what the U.S. Attorney’s Office described Tuesday as a drug trafficking organization operating in the city.

Eight of the people facing charges are listed in a single indictment, the first version of which was filed in May. The other two are on their own, separate indictments filed as recently as September, according to federal court records.

All those charged are said to be linked to a single drug trafficking ring, according to the USAO for the District of Alaska.

In a prepared statement Tuesday, prosecutors said they believe Rodney Godwin, 50, of Anchorage is the ringleader of the operation, charged with trafficking controlled substances including but not limited to fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin, with federal court documents alleging he conspired with nine others to do so.

Charges range from charges of furthering a criminal enterprise, conspiracy to distribute, money laundering and carrying firearms during a drug trafficking offense.

If convicted, Godwin faces life in prison, according to the USAO, while the others could see up to 20 years behind bars.

The most recent court documents made available on the federal court filing website show the case is in the discovery phase, with thousands of documents still needing review.

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