MDEA arrests two, third sought in meth case
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Two arrests have been made and a third individual is being sought in connection with the investigation by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency of a drug lab at an apartment on Main Street just over a week ago.
| Ray Varney | Ronald Lewis | Leland Alger |
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“The investigation into the methamphetamine lab seized Dec. 29 in Presque Isle has resulted in the arrests of two suspects and an arrest warrant has been issued for a third suspect,” said Division Commander Darrell Crandall, MDEA.
On Dec. 29, MDEA’s lab team seized chemicals and equipment that had been used to make methamphetamine at an apartment on Main Street in Presque Isle. According to the city’s tax records, the property is owned by Fernand and Marcia Martin, who own several rentals throughout Presque Isle.
“The processing of the evidence took several hours in the bitter cold. Evidence found in the apartment showed that methamphetamine had been made there recently and on more than one occasion,” said Crandall, who described the method as a single-container “shake and bake” process to create the illicit drug.
Meth, as it is more commonly called, has a street value of between $25 and $30 a tablet.
On Friday, Dec. 30, agents arrested one man in connection with the lab.
“MDEA agents arrested Ray Varney, 23, of Houlton, and charged him with trafficking in methamphetamine,” said Crandall, noting, “agents allege that Varney, Ronald Lewis, 21, of Littleton, and 28-year-old Leland Alger, of Presque Isle, are among those are among those responsible for the lab activity.”
On Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 4, an arrest warrant was issued for Lewis, charging him with trafficking in meth.
“Alger, who lives at the Main Street apartment where the lab was found, was arrested by MDEA agents on Jan. 4 and is also charged with trafficking in methamphetamine,” Crandall said.
Crandall said agents have little doubt that Lewis is aware he is being sought by police and is actively evading arrest.
“Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the MDEA Office in Houlton at 532-5169, their local police or they may also call Aroostook County Crimestoppers at 800-638-8477,” said Crandall.
Crandall indicated it is likely others will face charges before the investigation is done.
“All of these crimes are Class B felonies, for which the maximum punishment is 10 years in prison,” said Crandall.
