MARS HILL, Maine — Six local men have been charged with drug trafficking following an investigation by agents with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
MDEA agents arrested five people for Class B trafficking in synthetic hallucinogens and a sixth person for Class B trafficking in schedule W drugs (oxycodone).
Those arrested included three Mars Hill residents: Keith Cochran, 38; Karter Burtt, 24; and Brandon Mills, 24. Also arrested were: Doil Hayes, 33, of Fort Fairfield; Ryan Brewer, 21, of Blaine; and Eric Rosten, 50, of Presque Isle.
“For the past month agents from the Aroostook District Task Force conducted an investigation into the illegal distribution of synthetic cathinones, more commonly known as ‘bath salts,’ throughout the central Aroostook area,” said MDEA Commander Peter Arno.
Arno couldn’t give specifics on exactly where the arrests were made, since the case is ongoing, but did indicate agents worked in Mars Hill during the investigation.
Assisting in the investigation and arrests were representatives from the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Fairfield Police Department and Homeland Security Investigators.
“During the coordinated investigation, agents were able to infiltrate the group and make a number of purchases of bath salts from the group. Agents also purchased oxycodone from Rosten. The investigation also resulted in the seizure of over 12 pounds of the synthetic cathinone and approximately $40,000 in drug proceeds,” Arno said.
Throughout the day on March 6, Arno said agents and officers from the assisting agencies arrested the group at various locations throughout Aroostook.
“All six men were transported to the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton, where bail was set at $10,000 cash for each,” said Arno.
The investigation is continuing and Arno indicated additional arrests are expected. Specific locations concerning the arrests and drug purchases in this case are not being released at this time.
