FARMINGTON, Maine — The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and Farmington police arrested two men for alleged drug trafficking Thursday, seizing substantial amounts of cocaine and fentanyl.
For the past three months, the MDEA Western District Task Force and Farmington Police Department have been investigating the distribution of illegal drugs in Farmington and surrounding communities in Franklin County, the MDEA said Friday in a news release.
Following an investigation that included undercover drug purchases of illegal drugs, it was determined that 42-year-old Jason Robbins of Farmington was distributing large amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine in and around Farmington, according to the release.
Agents then secured search warrants for Robbins' vehicle and residence at 111 Twin Birches Rd., Lot 4.
Around 1:30 p.m. Thursday, the Maine State Police Tactical Team conducted a traffic stop after observing Robbins and 39-year-old Miguel Alvarez of Webster, Massachusetts, traveling on Route 2 in Farmington in a Nissan pick-up truck, the MDEA said. The traffic stop was made at Franklin Health Commons, where agents served Robbins with the search warrant for his vehicle and residence.
"As a result of the searches of the vehicle and residence, agents seized approximately 420 grams (14.8 ounces) of cocaine, 15 grams of fentanyl, 7 firearms, and over $5,000 in suspected drug proceeds, including money used in previous undercover drug purchases," the release stated. "The approximate street value of the seized drugs is $40,000."
Robbins and Alvarez were taken to the Franklin County Jail where they are being held without bail until their first appearances in Franklin County Court on Friday, Aug. 30.
Officials urge anyone who may have information related to this investigation or the illegal sale of drugs in their community to contact the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency office closest to them or by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411). You can also call the MDEA tip line at 1-800-452-6457.