This investigation makes clear the violence associated with drug trafficking, said Susan A. Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administrations New Jersey Division. Members of the conspiracy also allegedly possessed numerous firearms, including at least one fully-automatic firearm with a selector switch that converts a semi-automatic firearm into a machinegun, in order to protect the drug trafficking operation and target rival drug trafficking operators. Cocaine, cash, guns seized as State Police task force busts alleged Downriver drug dealer, Woman drove to southern Michigan to get meth to distribute Up North: MSP, Featured Image Photo Credit: Michigan State Police, Paid express lanes grow more popular in once-reluctant South, Utah governor says he plans to sign abortion clinic ban, After Murdaugh trial 'circus,' Walterboro welcomes normality, 16 still missing after Indonesia oil depot fire kills 15, Storms roll east after slamming South; 10 deaths reported. On this day, an undercover officer made arrangements to purchase a quantity of heroin from Joseph Kaite. CHECK OUT WMTW:Stay informed with the latest Portland news and weather from the team at WMTW. The FBI said Kleffman and Minier-Tejada discussed in text conversations the importance of carrying firearms and the possibility of using guns to harm or intimidate a rival drug gang in Maine that may include a person who is related to a man accused of shooting Kleffmans father. All three were still incarcerated Tuesday afternoon, according to jail officials. Arrest warrants for the three defendants were obtained in October 2020 and search warrants were also executed at several locations, which led to the recovery of several weapons. Their arrests have made the community safer, and DEA will continue to work with our partners to pursue those who violate the law., Operation Eight-Ball was an enormous investigative endeavor and as a result, many violent offenders have been taken off of the street, said Prosecutor Onofri. Ten suspects were lodged at the Mercer County Correctional Center and three juveniles were lodged at the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center. At an apartment on Beakes Street in Trenton, detectives located evidence related to murder of Derek Colley that resulted in homicide charges being filed against Kaite and Tabika Hale. AUGUSTA Two men recently arrested on drug trafficking charges allegedly sold crack cocaine to an informant working with Augusta police. Earlier this month, the two Massachusetts men and others suspected to be involved in the drug ring rented a house in Bangor through an online vacation home rental service and used it as a place . Both are facing charges of attempted murder and robbery. An MDEA agent drove the informant to the area of that residence, and the informant went into the building and returned a few minutes later with a plastic corner baggie containing a hard, white substance Murtiff said he recognized as cocaine base. Robert Mann, 42, of Ellsworth is charged with Class A aggravated trafficking in schedule W drugs (fentanyl, crack cocaine, methamphetamine). MAINE, Maine Drug charges have been filed against 21 people accused of running a cocaine and fentanyl ring that spanned Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, and Puerto Rico. Open to all, supported by readers. Melissa Giuliana of Ellsworth is charged with class B trafficking in schedule W drugs (heroin). More by Bill Trotter, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Police: Mass. In an affidavit filed in federal court, the FBI alleges that Minier-Tejada and other co-conspirators from Massachusetts who are not publicly identified made trips to Maine to deliver controlled substances to Maine drug contacts and obtain firearms for transport to Massachusetts.. The arrests began in December and continued Thursday. As alleged in the charging documents, Minier-Tejada and Minier conspired to obtain large quantities of controlled substances, including cocaine, cocaine base, fentanyl and methamphetamine from Massachusetts suppliers and distribute them to contacts in Maine, who then distributed the controlled substances on a retail level. The New Jersey Attorney Generals Office does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications. Drug agents conducted interviews and learned that Golden allegedly had come to Maine with about 750 bags of the . Detained at the Mercer County Correction Center. Armani Minier-Tejada, a/k/a "Shotz" a/k/a "Gustavo," 22, of Salem; Miguel Minier, 55, of Lynn; and Shelby Kleffman, 31, of Trenton, Maine, were charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances including cocaine, cocaine base, fentanyl and methamphetamine. Most were arrested on a charge of conspiracy to sell methamphetamine. However, it must still undergo laboratory analysis. Minier remains wanted on an FBI arrest warrant, according to federal prosecutors. As described in the charging documents, Minier-Tejada and Minier brought large quantities of controlled substances, including distinctive purple fentanyl, to sell to dealers in Maine who would in-turn resell the controlled substances for higher profits in Maine. Police say 21 pre-packaged grams of heroin and 23 grams of cocaine or cocaine base were seized, along with $1,200 in suspected drug proceeds. Officers seized a "large quantity" of analogue drugs, similar to Xanax and Adderall, some of which were suspected to contain fentanyl, police said. Maine's Drug Enforcement Agency along with Rumford and Maine State Police searched a home on Knox . Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. 11/23/2009 Waterville Police Department press release. Authorities said one person supplied methamphetamine and cocaine to others, and that the drugs were distributed in the Concord area, Lakes Region, and Maine. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. HERMON, Maine Six people were arrested in Hermon and charged with felony drug trafficking offenses Wednesday as the result of a months-long investigation by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA), commander Peter Arno said in a release Friday. Sign in or Subscribe HOLDEN (WGME) -- Police say they made the largest drug bust in Holden's history. The heroin is valued at $60,000; the methamphetamine is valued at $100,000; and the marijuana at $68,000. Police charged Kleffman with Class A aggravated trafficking in heroin. Hospitality Opportunities in Food Services, Housekeeping And Others! According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office for Massachusetts, 31-year-old Shelby Kleffman of Trenton, Armani Minier-Tejada, 22, of Salem, Massachusetts, and Miguel Minier, 55 of Lynn, Massachusetts were charged in connection with an . After searching the area for about 30 minutes, Abner was seen retrieving a box containing 210 bricks of heroin from the bushes in the hotel parking lot. "Our Deputy Attorneys General stand ready to prosecute these defendants to bring them to justice," she said. Boston, MA 02210, Boston:617-748-3100 We allege that Shawn Davis was a major heroin supplier who, along with Tracy Edwards and the others arrested in this operation, conspired to distribute heroin throughout the City of Trenton, said Attorney General Porrino. The Watermans were both charged by Criminal Summons with a court date of November 5, 2021 in Waldo County Superior Court. Thirteen people have been arrested on drug charges in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts after multiple agencies conducted a months-long drug trafficking investigation. Inside, Arno said officers located two people from Ypsilanti, Michigan. Show Transcript. The Good Table has everything you need to prepare your next delicious meal. Browse the newest Portland . September 27, 2016 by Mark Good on Breaking News, . Cops didn't . If you have information about this investigation or the illegal sale of drugs in this state, you are urged to contact the MDEA office closest to you or by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411) or calling the MDEA tip-line at 800-452-6457. Arno provided the following about people arrested and the charges they're facing in connection with MDEA's investigation: Arno said the MDEA was assisted in the investigation by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, Homeland Security Investigations, Hancock County Sheriff's Office, Penobscot County Sheriff's Office, Maine State Police, Ellsworth police, and Bangor police. The investigation, which included the undercover purchase of these drugs, resulted in the arrests of three men and a woman from Hancock County, according to Arno. A lock ( In March of this year, MDEA agents in Ellsworth opened an investigation into the sale of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine by people in the Ellsworth area. Through the investigation, authorities had pinpointed Moise as the supplier of heroin to North Trenton. Sign up to get Patch emails so you don't miss out on local and statewide news. Plow truck drivers prepare for Maine's third snowstorm of the week, Maine Wardens searching for missing Greene man, Lincoln man arrested twice within 8 hours for alleged assault, Portland police respond to Racial Equity Committee recommendations, Police investigating shots fired at a home in Portland. On average more than 50 Maine citizens per month have died due to drug overdose this year, the release said. During this investigation, MDEA agents assigned to the Aroostook Task Force in Houlton, Maine, gathered evidence of the groups . Become an online member today: To manage your account, just hover and click on your name above. Take the Latch Electric Folding Bike Anywhere, Popular free publication that is mailed to Midcoast, Cottage Connection of Maine Vacation Rentals Since 1993, Jazz in June: Grace Kelly + Staci Griesbach, Thomaston Light Presents Serendipity Online Auction, Vintage Accents Begins Worldly Wonders Online Timed Auction, New Hope Midcoast Relies on Clothing and Accessory Donations for Its Largest Fundraiser, SAT Prep Matters & Boot Camps with Dr. Mary Smyth - Online this Spring, The University of Maine Hutchinson Center, FREE Family Film: The BFG, at The Waldo Theatre on Sunday, March. The informant told police, prior to making the alleged drug purchases, that Magee was in possession of three handguns, one of which was a smaller Glock that he kept in his waistband at all times, and that Magee usually had several ounces of cocaine base and/or heroin in his possession. police said. Minier-Tejadas case was moved to federal court in Massachusetts, while Kleffmans initial appearance was continued to an unspecified date. The following people were charged criminally: Throughout this pandemic, New Jersey law enforcement officers have been doing all they can to combat gun violence in our cities by arresting violent gang members and seizing illegal weapons, and these latest arrests in Trenton are just another strong example, said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel Mendell's office announced the bust Wednesday, saying the ring was based . Approximately 24 bank accounts in connection to the investigation were frozen and continue to be investigated by the Mercer County Prosecutors Economic Crime Unit. By Jennifer Osborn; Sep 27, 2016 Get breaking news alerts on your phone with our app. Michigan State Police Seize 12 Lbs. Trenton Police said the department was happy to help. of Public Safety). On Tuesday, September 13, 2022, members of the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, the Drug Enforcement . Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. 12/04/2009 Portland Drug Bust. Makes second large bust in a week February 25, 2022 TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)--A two-month investigation into narcotics distribution in the Trenton area has culminated with the arrest of a Trenton man and the seizure of $300,000 in cocaine, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported. Tuesday, March 30th 2021. Bail was set at $1,000 cash. Drugs, cash, guns seized in downriver raid. Choose wisely! Police charged Ajha Stanley, 20, of Tremont with misdemeanor unlawful possession of drugs (heroin) and violating conditions of release. Members of the Bucks County, Pennsylvania Prosecutors Office also assisted with the investigation. BELMONT The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency has charged three people for alleged fentanyl trafficking in Belmont. Official websites use .gov Success! On Dec. 22, Murtiff again directed the informant to make contact with Magee about purchasing illegal drugs, and the informant texted Magee to make arrangements. (Photo courtesy Maine Dept. Officials declined to reveal what kind of drugs or contraband they seized and the amount of money, drugs and guns they seized. Minier-Tejada and Kleffman were additionally charged with one count of conspiracy to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy.