Biddeford police department instrumental in investigation of drug trafficking organization

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay

Police Reports•

The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency recently disrupted the activities of a known drug trafficking organization operating in York County. MDEA is a task force comprised of law enforcement officers from the York County Sheriff's Office, Maine State Police, Sanford Police Department, and the Buxton Police Department.

The United States Drug Enforcement Agency and the Biddeford Police Department were also instrumental in this investigation. During the investigation, multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl and cocaine base were made. Consequently, investigators were able to secure arrest warrants for four people and search warrants for three locations.

This week the following enforcement action occurred.

On Tuesday, Nov. 19

With the assistance of the US Marshalls Service Violent Offender Task Force, a search warrant was executed at 754 Pool St., Biddeford. Small quantities of drugs, evidence of drug trafficking and suspected drug proceeds were seized.

Those arrested were:

Derrel Brunson, 32, of New York City, 1 count of Aggravated Trafficking of Fentanyl – Class A. Bail is $30,000.

Donald Newton, 53, of Biddeford, 1 count of Conspiracy to Traffick in Fentanyl, Class C bail was set at $4,000.

On Wednesday, Nov. 20

With the assistance of the Biddeford Police Department, a search warrant was served at 14 Center St., Biddeford. Evidence of drug trafficking and small amounts of drugs were located. This location is within one block of St. James School.

Matthew Plante, 39, of Biddeford, was arrested on two counts of Aggravated Trafficking of Schedule W Drug – Cocaine Base. Bail was set at $10,000.

On Thursday, Nov. 21

With the assistance of the United States DEA Tactical Unit, a search warrant was executed at 29 Mountain View Lane, Lyman. Quantities of drugs and a firearm were seized at the residence.

Two people were arrested at that residence:

Christopher Powers-Burns, 41, of Lyman, two counts of Unlawful Trafficking in Fentanyl as well as multiple additional warrants. No bail was allowed.

Paul Kastberg, 38, of Alfred – multiple warrants, no bail allowed.

The investigation is ongoing, and more charges are expected. The communities affected by this drug organization are Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Sanford, Lyman, Waterboro, Buxton, Hollis, Dayton, Limerick and Lebanon.

Story courtesy of York County Sheriff’s Office