Penobscot County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a raid on a Passadumkeag residence on Tuesday, leading to the arrest of three career criminals and the seizure of a synthetic opioid described by the department as “significantly more powerful than fentanyl,” law enforcement agencies said
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Law enforcement executed a search warrant at a Pleasent St. residence following an investigation from multiple deputies.
At the residence, deputies discovered Methamphetamines, Fentanyl, and Carfentanil, a synthetic opioid like fentanyl but more potent. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) describes Carfentanil as one of the deadliest synthetic opioids, and claim that it is 100 times more potent than fentanyl.
It is intended for use as a tranquilizer for giant animals such as elephants or rhinoceroses.
According to the DEA, Carfentanil is becoming increasingly prevalent in illegal drug markets across the country.
In addition to the deadly drugs, deputies seized a shotgun, a handgun, and over $1,000 in suspected drug trafficking proceeds.
Deputies arrested three people in connection with the alleged drug trafficking operation: Colin Smith, 59, of Passadumkeag, Tonya Albano, 48, of Passadumkeag, and Christopher Reed, 48, of Passadumkeag
Smith faces charges for unlawful trafficking of schedule W drugs and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Albano faces charges for unlawful trafficking in schedule W drugs and was placed on probation hold for a prior drug trafficking conviction.
Reed, who was under nine active sets of bail conditions when arrested, faces charges for violating those conditions, and unlawful trafficking in schedule W drugs.
The Maine Warden service is assisting in the ongoing investigation.
