The Auburn Police Department arrested three suspects on Wednesday after they allegedly dropped a bag of drugs in a liquor store parking lot and returned for it moments before police arrived.
At approximately 9:00 a.m., police responded to Lighthouse Discount Liquor at 301 Main Street.
Staff reported that suspects in a pickup truck dropped a large bag of what appeared to be illegal drugs in the parking lot. A bystander allegedly witnessed the incident and secured the bag before alerting store staff, who called police.
Just before police arrived on the scene, the suspects returned in the same vehicle, allegedly to recover the drugs.
Police were able to quickly detain all four of the vehicle’s occupants.
A search of the vehicle allegedly revealed additional contraband, including cocaine, cocaine base, fentanyl, and a significant amount of cash believed to be proceeds from drug trafficking.
As a result of the investigation, three of the vehicle’s occupants were arrested. It is not clear why the fourth occupant was not charged.
Jerome Doyle, 54, was charged with aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs and violating conditions of release. He was held without bail.
Daniel Konopka, 38, was charged with aggravated trafficking of scheduled drugs and was issued a $5,000 bail.
Christina Drinkwater, 48, was charged with unlawful possession of scheduled drugs and was issued a $2,000 bail.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may follow.
