Five men have been arrested in connection with an alleged drug trafficking ring operating across York County, Maine. Authorities, led by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA), conducted several controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack cocaine, leading to the arrests.
On Tuesday, law enforcement executed a search at 754 Pool St. in Biddeford, where they discovered drugs, trafficking evidence, and suspected drug proceeds. As a result, 32-year-old Derrel Brunson from New York was arrested and charged with aggravated trafficking of fentanyl. 53-year-old Donald Newton, a Biddeford resident, was arrested on charges of conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl. Brunson’s bail was set at $30,000, while Newton’s bail was set at $4,000. Both were taken to the York County Jail.
The following day, authorities searched a home at 14 Center St. in Biddeford, where they found more drugs and trafficking-related evidence. They arrested 39-year-old Matthew Plante of Biddeford, charging him with aggravated trafficking of cocaine base. His bail was set at $10,000.
On Thursday, officers executed another search at 29 Mountain View Lane in Lyman, where they discovered both drugs and firearms. Christopher Powers-Burns, 41, from Lyman, and 38-year-old Paul Kastberg of Alfred were arrested. Powers-Burns faces charges of unlawful trafficking in fentanyl, along with multiple additional warrants, while Kastberg also had multiple warrants. Both men are being held without bail.
The MDEA revealed that the drug operation has impacted several areas, including Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Sanford, Lyman, and other surrounding towns. The investigation is ongoing, and more charges are anticipated as authorities continue to dismantle the trafficking network.
