The Cordova Police Department, with assistance from a statewide Drug Enforcement Unit and a SWAT Team, arrested five people for illegal drug and firearm possession last week, according to a press release from the City of Cordova.
Police Chief Andrew Goss told the Cordova Times that he attributes a lot to his team and shared the process leading up to the drugs and weapons seizure.
“My guys are outstanding, they are hardworking, they love the job that they are in, they love this community,” he said. “Obviously, drugs are a big concern in our community.”
The search warrants were served at 1.6-mile Whitshed Road as part of a “targeted effort to eliminate illegal drugs in Cordova,” the press release stated. Officials confiscated several firearms and seized “large amounts” of fentanyl and methamphetamine. No injuries were reported, according to the release.
“We would like to thank Law Enforcement Officer Andrew Morse of the United States Forest Service who was instrumental in helping CPD secure the scene and assisting in the case,” said Goss.
Goss, who has been in law enforcement for 15 years, said his team helped investigate the incident.
“From their hard work, we were able to get quite a bit of drugs off the street, ranging from fentanyl to meth, and also some weapons,” he said. “These guys did all the hard work, I would take them anywhere.”
Goss expressed that building trust with the community is very important, and said anyone with information that can help the police department keep the community safer is encouraged to contact the department. He reiterated that his team is “the best group of guys I have ever worked with,” and said they all “have good work ethic.”
“With this, we are hoping to build the trust of the community. Any information anybody has to help us out, we are all ears,” said Goss.
In the release, there was an emphasis on public safety issues surrounding illicit drugs.
The City and local health partners are addressing the drug issue from both law enforcement and community health perspectives. Identifying and arresting the people who are supplying and dealing drugs in Cordova is an important step, the release said. CCMC and Ilanka Health Center offer addiction assistance for those needing help, and Narcan kits are available throughout the community for emergency overdose response.
