Nine individuals were arrested Thursday following a joint operation by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) and the Berwick Police Department targeting a single-family home in Berwick, which had been under investigation for suspected drug trafficking for the past two months.
According to the MDEA, the investigation into the residence located at 19 Katabel Lane in Berwick stemmed from community concerns regarding disturbances and suspected illegal drug activity at the residence.
Berwick Police say they responded to the Katabel Lane home over a dozen times since January 2023, with one incident involving a suspected homicide.
At approximately 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, the Maine State Police Tactical Team, alongside the MDEA and Berwick Police, executed a search warrant at the Berwick residence.
Authorities say that upon arrival, officers observed several items being thrown from a window of the residence, which were later identified as fentanyl pre-packaged for sale.
A total of 18 people were located in the residence and detained without incident, MDEA said.
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A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of over 140 grams of fentanyl, 10 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, and other paraphernalia associated with illegal drug trafficking.
According to MDEA, the estimated street value of the seized narcotics is $15,000
Arrested as a result of the Thursday operation were:
- Jacqueline Geoffrey (35) of Berwick for Unlawful Trafficking in Schedule Drugs (Methamphetamine); Bail set at $10,000.
- Meagan White (38) of Berwick for Unlawful Trafficking in Schedule Drugs (Methamphetamine) (2 Counts); Bail set at $5000 cash.
- Travis Buckley (33) of Berwick for Unlawful Trafficking in Schedule Drugs ( Fentanyl); Bail set at $5,000 cash.
- Evan St Yves (23) of Berwick for Unlawful Trafficking in Schedule Drugs (Methamphetamine); Bail set at $10,000 cash.
- Billy Brown (42) of Berwick for Aggravated Unlawful Trafficking in Schedule Drugs (Fentanyl), Violation of Bail (5 Counts); No Bail.
- David Cormier (35) of Berwick for Failure to Appear in Court Warrant; Bail set at $125.
- Brandon Witcher (38) of Berwick for Failure to Appear in Court Warrant (2 Counts); Bail set at $430.
- Zachary Buckley (37) of Berwick for Violation of Bail Warrant (3 Counts); Bail set at $240.
- Stephanie McDonald (35) of Berwick for Violation of Bail Warrant; Bail set at $100.
MDEA said Thursday that through the course of their investigation, agents were able to conduct multiple undercover purchases of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Geoffrey, White, Buckley and St Yves.
Authorities say all arrestees were transported to the York County Jail by Berwick Police, while those individuals detained at the home who did not face criminal charges were released at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected, MDEA said.
“The MDEA stands committed to working with all federal, state, county, and local law enforcement partners in order to continue to identify and disrupt drug trafficking organizations who are attempting to distribute illicit drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine in the State of Maine,” the agency stated in a Thursday press release.
