Lewiston-Auburn drug bust nabs 13

LEWISTON – Thirteen suspects from Lewiston and Auburn were arrested Tuesday on cocaine trafficking charges as part of an investigation linked to Maine’s first Mobile Enforcement Team of federal drug agents.

Such teams are made up of agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, who typically spend four to six months in a specific community or region to help state and local officials combat drug trafficking in targeted locations.

In addition to the 13 arrests, three other suspects have been charged but not yet arrested, and another seven suspects have been charged in earlier federal criminal complaints.

Most of the cases involve alleged distribution of crack cocaine.

“Thanks to the efforts of this special team, there are fewer drug traffickers on the streets of central Maine this afternoon,” U.S. Attorney Paula Silsby told a news conference at Lewiston City Hall.