A Brewer Traffic Stop Ends in 1 Arrest, Seizure of Meth, Fentanyl

A Bradley man is facing charges after police seized a variety of illegal drugs from his vehicle during a traffic stop in Brewer.

Who Was Arrested?

Matthew Bechard, 37, of Bradley was stopped by Brewer Police on Saturday for a defective tail light on his vehicle. That stop resulted in his being arrested on multiple charges.

Sergeant Zachary Caron allegedly noticed drug paraphernalia in the vehicle, during the course of the traffic stop. Because of that, he conducted a search of the vehicle and its occupants. Brewer Police say that while Sgt. Caron was searching Bechard, the suspect tried to run away. The two struggled before Bechard was taken into custody. At the time of this arrest, Bechard was also on probation for a prior charge of operating under the influence.

Which Drugs Were Seized in the Search?

As a result of the search, police seized the following items from Bechard's person:

• Methamphetamine - approximately 59.89 grams
• Fentanyl - approximately 26.72 grams
• Cocaine - approximately 4.67 grams
• Lorazepam - approximately 13 pills
• Naloxone Hydrochloride - 2 pills
• Alprazalom - 4 pills
• Morphine Sulfate - 2 pills
• In addition, police seized $539.00 in cash.

What Charges Does He Face?

Bechard is charged with:

• Aggravated trafficking in schedule W drugs
• Furnishing schedule W drugs
• Unlawful possession of schedule Z drugs
• Refusing to submit to arrest
• Probation hold

He was transported to the Penobscot County Jail.

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 or by texting 'MDEA' to TIP411 (847411) or by calling the MDEA tip-line at 1-800-452-6457.