3 Maine Men Arrested for Trafficking in Massachusetts Drug Busts

Two different traffic stops in Massachusetts ended with a total of 3 Maine residents facing charges of drug trafficking.

It's a twist from what we normally write about in Maine. Usually, it's people 'from away' who are being arrested for allegedly selling drugs in Maine that are the subjects of our stories. But, in this case, three people from Maine were arrested in Massachusetts on the same day for allegedly trafficking in drugs.

Who Was Arrested in the 1st Incident?

The first incident began shortly after 10:00 on the night of Sunday, August 27th. Massachusetts State Police Trooper Matthew DeVito was on Route 110 in Methuen when he noticed a black Chevrolet Silverado that passed his cruiser and was being driven erratically. As he followed the truck, the Trooper witnessed a near collision, caused by the pickup. DeVito activated his blue lights and pulled the vehicle over.

The driver was identified as Nicholas Drayton, 43, of Manchester, Maine who, police say, was showing signs consistent with the use of narcotics. He was asked to step out of his vehicle and, when he did, the Trooper noticed a small amount of a narcotic that was later found to be heroin. This prompted a search of the vehicle, during which a large plastic bag containing crack cocaine, along with numerous smaller bags containing heroin, were seized.

Drayton was arrested on the following charges:

• Trafficking fentanyl/heroin
• Trafficking cocaine
• Marked Lanes Violation
• Hands Free Violation

Once the drugs were examined, officials say they were identified as approximately 85 grams of suspected heroin and 70 grams of suspected crack cocaine.

What About the Second?

It was just before midnight that same night when a brown Chevrolet Silverado containing two men from Maine was pulled over by Massachusetts State Police for suspicion of illegal trafficking of narcotics. After observing paraphernalia commonly used in the consumption of narcotics, the two men were told to get out of the vehicle. The pickup was searched and illegal drugs were found.

The two men were arrested on the following charges:

• Paul Colbeth 44, of Bass Harbor, Maine is charged with trafficking in fentanyl, trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to violate drug law, and speeding
• Ian Jellison, 42, Southwest Harbor, Maine is charged with trafficking in fentanyl, trafficking in cocaine, and conspiracy to violate drug law

Seized from the vehicle were approximately 225 grams of cocaine and 80 grams of fentanyl.

How Do I Report Suspected Drug Activity?

If you suffer from substance use disorder, you're encouraged to call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of resources available in your area.

Anyone with information about this investigation or the illegal sale of drugs in their community is urged to contact the Maine Drug Enforcement office closest to them. Information can also be reported by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411) or by calling the MDEA tip line at 1-800-452-6457.