Mapleton man wanted in linkage with meth bust
CARIBOU, Maine — A Mapleton man is wanted in connection with drugs and methamphetamine manufacturing items that were seized from a vehicle during a traffic stop in Caribou last week.
Mitchell Hanning, 25, was pulled over by deputies at about 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 1 on U.S. Route 1 in north Caribou, because his car matched the description of a black Toyota Camry believed to be involved in a theft, Aroostook County Sheriff Darrell Crandall said in a news release issued April 7, 2016.
Hanning had two passengers with him, whom police are not naming at this time.
Crandall said deputies developed probable cause to search the vehicle and found several items consistent with the use and manufacturing of methamphetamine, as well as a loaded handgun that was hidden under the seat. They also found a cooler and backpacks that had been secured with padlocks, as well as a locked safe.
Hanning was charged with operating after suspension and the vehicle was towed away and secured pending further investigation.
On April 4 and 5, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency executed a search warrant on the vehicle and identified the components and materials necessary to make methamphetamine as well as three containers that were previously used to make methamphetamine, according to the sheriff.
The agents also found various other types of drugs in the safe, which Crandall said have not yet been formally identified.
Investigators later determined that the gun found in the car was reportedly stolen, but is not associated with the theft that began this series of events.
Hanning is now sought by police, as he made bail on the operating after suspension offense before the drug investigation was complete. Crandall said there is now probable cause for his arrest on felony drug charges.
Anyone who knows Hanning whereabouts is asked to contact Aroostook County Crimestoppers at 1-800-638-TIPS (8477) or to text the information to 207-538-TIPS (8477). The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are possible, according to the sheriff.
