Two Arrested In Aroostook County Heroin Bust

Two Aroostook County residents face charges in connection with the alleged trafficking of heroin.

Presque Isle Police learned early Sunday that a vehicle would be traveling through the city, allegedly carrying a significant amount of heroin to the Presque Isle area. Police told the State Police and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Aroostook County Sheriff's Office, and the Houlton Police Department.

At around 10:00 Sunday evening, Trooper Patrick Pescitelli stopped the vehicle in question as it was traveling north on the North Road in Houlton, for a traffic violation. As a result of the subsequent investigation, the vehicle was searched and police seized a significant amount of heroin, a small amount of methamphetamine, and a loaded handgun.

Arrested were 49-year-old Alberto Vasquez of Presque Isle and 32-year-old Jeffrey Sarmiento of Woodland (Aroostook County). Both men were charged with Unlawful Trafficking in Schedule Drugs. Vasquez was also charged with Unlawful Possession of Schedule Drugs. Sarmiento was also charged with Possession of Schedule Drugs and Operating After Suspension.

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of drugs in Aroostook County is urged to contact their local agency, the Maine State Police at 1-800-924-2261, or Aroostook County Crimestoppers at 1-800-638-8477.