The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) arrested a Vassalboro man on Wednesday and seized 2,000 grams of cocaine following an eight-month investigation into drug trafficking operations.
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For the past eight months, the MDEA has been investigating alleged drug trafficking operations out of the Weber Pond Road residence of Edwin Lawrance, 24, of Vassalboro.
On Wednesday, agents learned that Lawrence was allegedly on his way back to Maine with a substantial cargo of illegal drugs.
In response to that information, the MDEA applied for and received a search warrant for Lawrence’s vehicle and person.
At approximately 8:00 p.m., the Maine State Police spotted Lawrence’s vehicle traveling northbound on I-295.
Troopers attempted a traffic stop, and Lawrence initially stopped just north of the West Gardiner toll.
As troopers approached his vehicle, Lawrence allegedly drove off, sparking a brief pursuit.
The pursuit ended a short time later when law enforcement deployed spike strips and deflated Lawrence’s tires.
Lawrence then reportedly attempted to flee on foot, but he was quickly apprehended with the aid of a Maine State Police K-9 Unit.
MDEA agents then searched the vehicle and reportedly discovered over 2,000 grams of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $127,000. Agents also discovered over $1,000 in suspected drug proceeds.
The Kennebec County Sheriff’s Department then joined the State Police and MDEA to execute a search warrant at the Vassalboro address, but they did not discover any additional evidence.
Lawrence was arrested and transported to the Kennebec County Jail, where he faces charges of aggravated trafficking of Schedule W drugs, eluding a police officer, and refusing to submit to arrest or detention.
He is currently being held on a $92,000 bail.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the MDEA expects further arrests to follow.
