1 Person from Maine, 2 from Massachusetts Arrested in Drug Bust

Three people are facing charges after a drug bust in Mexico, Maine.

Who Was Arrested?

A tip from concerned citizens led investigators with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency's Western District Task Force to initiate an investigation into a network of drug traffickers operating in the Mexico/River Valley region of Oxford County. Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss says drug traffickers from out of state were reportedly traveling from Massachusetts to the Maine town of Mexico. Once there, the traffickers would distribute the illegal drugs, with the assistance of a woman from Mexico, using her house as a base of operations. On Wednesday afternoon, a search warrant was conducted at the woman's home, 199 Main Street in Mexico.

As a result of that search warrant, three people were arrested:

Kellie Bernard, 36, of Mexico, Maine who was charged with aggravated trafficking fentanyl, aggravated trafficking cocaine (cocaine base), and aggravated trafficking methamphetamine.
Joel Espinosa, 24, of Lawrence, Massachusetts who was charged with aggravated trafficking fentanyl, aggravated trafficking cocaine (cocaine base), and aggravated trafficking methamphetamine.
Isiah Medina, 23, of Lawrence, Massachusetts who was charged with aggravated trafficking fentanyl, aggravated trafficking cocaine (cocaine base), and aggravated trafficking methamphetamine.

At the time of their arrests, Bernard was on Maine bail for drug possession, Espinosa was on federal probation for fentanyl trafficking, and Medina was on probation out of Plymouth County Superior Court in Massachusetts for fentanyl-related drug charges.

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All three subjects were taken to the Oxford County Jail, where they were being held without bail.

What Drugs Were Seized?

The drugs seized in this investigation included over 224 grams of fentanyl, 53 grams of methamphetamine, 10 grams of cocaine HCL, 7 grams of cocaine base (crack), a firearm, and $3,400 in suspected drug proceeds. The approximate street value of the drugs is $25,000.

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.

Parents Should Familiarize Themselves with These Illegal Drugs

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to recognizing and understanding when your child becomes involved with illegal drugs.

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