(MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEY, Alaska) – This week, on Dec. 12, 2016, an investigation by the Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) in the Mat-Su Valley came to completion for one man involved in large drug ring. Anchorage resident Seneca Neal, 37, was sentenced in Federal Court to 22 years in prison.
In early September of 2014, with the increasing prevalence of heroin abuse in the Mat-SU Valley, SDEU worked hard to identify where it was coming from. Through the use of informants, technological equipment and physical surveillance, SDEU, with the assistance of CAIU, Palmer CSU, Palmer ABHP, Special Crimes Investigation Unit, WAANT, SDEU-Soldotna, TCU Anchorage, Anchorage JS, DEA and ATF, several search warrants were served in the Mat-Su Valley and Anchorage. This large-scale joint effort led to Neal’s identification as a distributer of large amounts of heroin, as well as other illegal drugs. Neal, at the time, was on Federal probation for Conspiracy to distribute drugs.[xyz-ihs snippet=”adsense-body-ad”]By the end of November 2014, SDEU seized more than 1.70 pounds (774.96 grams) of brown heroin, 69 grams of bath salts, 136 grams of marijuana and $8,834.00 in cash. Street value for the seized drugs was approximately $232,000.00. SDEU also seized two vehicles believed to have been used and/or purchased with drug proceeds.
Through the course of the investigation it was determined that Neal was a main source of supply of heroin for not only the Mat-Su Valley, but also in the Fairbanks area. Neal was arrested on Nov. 30, 2014 in Anchorage. He was held on Federal charges of possession with intent to deliver without bail.
In mid-August, after a 3 day jury trial in Federal Court, Neal was found guilty on all counts, to include Conspiracy to distribute one or more kilos, Distribution of more than 100 grams, Distribution, and Possession with intent to distribute.
“SDEU dedicates resources and effort towards detection, deterrence and the prosecution of the people profiting off the misery of someone else’s addiction,” said Captain Michael Duxbury, Commander of the Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit. “We did that in this case.”[xyz-ihs snippet=”Adsense-responsive”]
