HOULTON, Maine — A Houlton woman has been arrested and charged with aggravated trafficking of scheduled drugs, along with violating the conditions of her release.
Ashley Belyea, 33, was pulled over by Officer Russell Socoby of the Houlton Police Department on Sunday, Nov. 15, as part of a routine traffic stop on Heyward Street in Houlton. Socoby, together with Houlton Sgt. Travis Smith, conducted a search of Belyea’s vehicle on suspicion of illegal drug activity.
The two officers found what they identified as the narcotic drug fentanyl in a hidden storage container, along with more than $7,000 in cash. Drug-related materials and paraphernalia also were allegedly found during the search.
Considered a Schedule II drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency, fentanyl is classified as a drug with high potential for abuse and leading to severe dependence, along with other drugs such as cocaine, methadone and oxycodone. It is also sometimes mixed with heroin, which can lead to overdoses among unsuspecting users.
“The Houlton Police Department continues to make drug enforcement the highest priority and has a zero tolerance for drug trafficking in our community,” Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca said. “This arrest is an example of our continued commitment and professionalism.”
