State Police Tactical Team Joins Local Department in Raid on South Paris Drug Den

It’s been a busy week for law enforcement in the Paris area. On Thursday, a Maine State Police tactical team joined the Paris Police Department in a raid on a South Paris drug den, leading to drug seizures and the arrests of two repeat offenders.

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The Paris Police Department obtained and executed a warrant for 21 Park St. in South around 2 p.m. The tactical team joined based on information obtained prior to the warrant, suggesting that the raid could be dangerous.

Authorities seized unspecified amounts of crack cocaine, oxycodone, and other unnamed drugs in pill form, along with a firearm and ammunition.

Investigators initially detained eight individuals, though only two, Billie Coolidge, 47, and James Tapley, 52, were arrested. Coolidge was arrested on a probation hold, and Tapley was arrested on a warrant, with more felony charges expected to follow for both men.

Law enforcement did not specify if any of the other six detained individuals will face charges.

The Paris Police Department’s press release does not include the mugshots of either arrested man, but they have each been linked to past criminal activity.

In 2022, Coolidge was arrested for drug possession, and he was arrested again on drug charges in 2024.

Tapley was arrested in 2018, along with his wife, for allegedly breaking into the home of a West Paris pastor while he was conducting a Sunday service.