Milbridge Drug Bust Nets 2 Arrests, $40K in Cocaine and Fentanyl
An investigation into a suspected drug operation in Milbridge has resulted in 2 arrests and the seizure of thousands of dollars worth of drugs.
The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency reports agents with the Downeast Task Force have spent the past several months investigating the sale of fentanyl and cocaine from a home in Milbridge, identifying Rasheib Edward Yancy, 45 of Billerica, Massachusetts, as a suspect. Officials say they learned Yancy had allegedly transported illegal drugs at least twice a week for several months from Massachusetts into Maine.
On Monday, MDEA agents and Maine State Police Troopers stopped and searched a vehicle on I-95 in Newport, being driven by Yancy, seizing approximately 103 grams of fentanyl and 143 grams of cocaine. Officials say the Washington County street value of the drugs seized is approximately $40,000.
Yancy was transported to the Penobscot County Jail where he was charged with Class A aggravated trafficking in fentanyl and cocaine. The charge was elevated to aggravated due to the quantity of drugs Yancy was allegedly importing into the state. His bail has been set at $100,000 in cash. It's likely that he will also face the additional charge of illegal importation of schedule W drugs.
Following his arrest, MDEA agents executed a search warrant on the Milbridge residence of Cole Kennedy, where they determined that this was the home from which the drugs, bought by Yancy, were being distributed.
Seized in that search were approximately $3,200 in suspected drug proceeds. Kennedy is currently out on bail stemming from a 2021 MDEA investigation where he was charged with felony drug trafficking offenses. He was transported to the Washington County Jail where he has been charged with Class E violation of conditions of release stemming from the fact that he was out on bail for the pending 2021 drug trafficking offense.
The MDEA was assisted in this investigation by the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the Maine State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Billerica, Massachusetts Police Department.
This investigation is ongoing and officials say more arrests are possible.
What Do I Do If I Have Information About Drug Crimes?
Washington County has seen a significant increase in violence, which officials say is "inseparably linked" to the sale of illicit drugs. Maine Drug Enforcement agents are working with local law enforcement and the community to help minimize this activity. 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.