The Somerset Sheriff’s Department arrested six alleged drug traffickers, including two from Massachusetts, on Tuesday during a warrant execution on Ward Hill Road in Norridgewock.
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At approximately 5:40 a.m., the department’s criminal division executed a search warrant at a residence on Ward Hill Road belonging to William Allen.
The Criminal Division obtained the warrant after a month-long investigation into drug trafficking operations.
Six Sheriff’s Department Detectives, three patrol deputies, and three Waterville Police Detectives, along with four Customs and Border Protection agents with their K-9 unit responded to execute the search warrant.
As law enforcement executed the search, three suspects, Ariel Hernandez-Batista, 34, of Lawrence, Massachusetts; Luis Marte-Mateo, 28, of Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Luke Silvia, 44, last know address Skowhegan, allegedy attempted to flee through a hole in the home’s floor.
They were quickly apprehended and taken into custody.
During the search, law enforcement also arrested Randell Woods, age 40, of Madison; Denise Webber, 50, of Norridgewock; and Jeremy Ross, 46, of Anson.
Officers allegedly discovered 170 grams of fentanyl and cocaine, over 200 controlled pills, $6,277 in suspected illegal drug proceeds, digital scales, documentation related to drug trafficking, and drug parephernalia. Other seized substances are currently undergoing testing.
The Somerset Sheriff’s Department estimated the street value of the seized drugs to be approximately $16,000.
Hernandez-Batista was charged with agravated trafficking in scheduled drugs, and placed on an federal immigration detainer because he is believed to be in the country illegally. He is being held without bail.
Marte-Mateo was charged with aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs, and is also being held without bail on an immigration detainer.
Silvia was charged with aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs, and issued a $50,000 bail.
Woods was charged with possession of scheduled drugs and violation of conditions of release, and was out on bail for unrelated charges at the time of his arrest. He is being held without bail.
Webber was arrested on an outstanding warrant, and was issued a miniscule $100 bail.
Ross was arrested on an outstanding warrant, and the Sheriff’s Department did not specify whether he was given bail.
It is not clear whether the Sheriff’s Department believes that Allen, the owner of the raided home, was involved in trafficking operations.
