Three people are facing charges in Maine for trafficking in heroin and crack cocaine. The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency says this is another example of a disturbing trend of people from out of state bringing drugs to Maine for distribution.

On Monday, drug agents learned that Jason Funderbunke and two other residents of New York were in the Oakland, Maine area and in possession of drugs from outside the state, to be used for resale in Maine. At that time, Funderbunke was being sought for arrest on charges stemming from the distribution of crack cocaine and heroin to an undercover agent earlier this year.

MDEA Photo;Hill
MDEA Photo;Hill
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That morning, a vehicle was stopped by the Oakland Police, at the request of MDEA investigators. A search of the vehicle's passengers led to the seizure of 22 grams of heroin and 14 grams of crack cocaine. An additional 8.5 grams of crack cocaine was located following a search of the Audrey Lane home in Oakland that the trio had just left. The street value of the seized drugs was $8,000.

Charged as a result of this investigation:

  • Jason Funderbunke, 28-years-old of New York, NY - charged with three counts of Class 'A' Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs (crack and heroin). The charges were aggravated due to a prior drug felony conviction. He was taken to Kennebec County Jail where bail was set at $75,000 cash.
  • Michael Hill, 23-years-old of Coram, NY - charged with Class 'B' Unlawful Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs. He was taken to Kennebec County Jail where bail was set at $2,500 cash.
  • Victoria Atz, 23-years-old of Coram, NY - charged with Class 'B' Unlawful Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs. She was taken to Kennebec County Jail where bail was set at $2,500 cash.

MDEA was assisted in this investigation by the Oakland Police Department, the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office, and the Maine State Police. This investigation is continuing and more arrests are possible.

The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency says these arrests highlight the continued disturbing trend of out-of-state drug traffickers who are coming to this state for the sole purpose of distributing illicit drugs. The potential threat posed to communities in this state by these types of individuals, according to the DEA, is significant. MDEA has made these types of investigations a priority and will use all of its available resources in order to identify, arrest, and prosecute traffickers who come to this state in order to exploit their illegal trade.

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