5 Face Charges in a Southern Maine Drug Trafficking Scheme

York County officials arrested five people over several days for their role in a drug trafficking network.

A New York City Man Was Among Those Arrested in a Southr4n Maine Drug Bust

Four out of five of the suspects are facing charges in connection with the alleged trafficking of fentanyl and cocaine base:

Derrel Brunson, 32, of New York City, is charged with aggravated trafficking of fentanyl. Bail was set at $30,000.
Donald Newton, 53, of Biddeford, is charged with conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl. Bail was set at $4,000.
Matthew Plante, 39, of Biddeford, is charged with aggravated trafficking of cocaine base. Bail was set at $10,000.
Christopher Powers-Burns, 41, of Lyman, is charged with aggravated trafficking of fentanyl, as well as several outstanding warrants. No bail was allowed.
Paul Kastberg, 38, of Alfred, was held on multiple warrants. No bail was allowed.

Officials say that during this extensive investigation, multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl and cocaine base were made.

The Arrests Were the Result of 3 Searches in Separate York County communities

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency and Biddeford Police helped the Maine DEA execute a search warrant at 754 Pool Street in Biddeford. Small quantities of drugs, evidence of drug trafficking, and suspected drug proceeds were seized, and officials arrested Brunson and Newton.

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On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Biddeford Police assisted the Maine DEA in executing a search warrant at 14 Center Street in Biddeford, located a block from St. James School. Evidence of drug trafficking and small amounts of drugs were located, resulting in the arrest of Matthew Plante.

One day later, the U. S. DEA's Tactical Unit assisted the Maine DEA in a search of 29 Mountain View Lane in Lyman. Quantities of drugs and a firearm were seized at the residence and Powers-Burns and Kastberg were taken into custody.

Officials say this investigation is ongoing and more charges are expected.

Maine Drug Agents Want to Hear From Anyone With Info About Illegal Activity

Anyone with information about this investigation or the trafficking of illegal drugs is encouraged to contact the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency or their local law enforcement departments.

If you or someone you know suffers from substance use disorder, please call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of resources available in your area.

We'll update this story as more details become available.